​The Tampa Bay Buccaneers poured resources into revamping their defense this offseason, yet one of their later picks might be flying under the radar. In a piece spotlighting overlooked rookies from the 2026 NFL Draft, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox singled out fourth-round cornerback Keionte Scott as a youngster who could exceed expectations and make a notable impact in his first season with Tampa Bay. Knox emphasized that the spotlight understandably centers on first-round edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. as the Buccaneers work to strengthen a pass defense that ranked 27th overall and surrendered the 26th-most net yards per pass attempt last season. Still, Scott’s blend of speed, versatility, and physicality provides him a real chance to carve out a role early in the campaign.
Scott, a former Miami defensive back, ran a blistering 4.33-second 40-yard dash and has experience lining up at both outside corner and nickel. Knox also drew on pre-draft assessments from Bleacher Report’s Daniel Harms, who praised Scott’s knack for causing chaos around the ball. “He’s an electric presence at the nickel and provides an energy that can’t be coached. His havoc-creating nature is something NFL teams will prioritize,” Harms wrote. Scott’s final collegiate season seemed to corroborate that appraisal. He posted 110 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, and two interceptions, illustrating a willingness to attack downhill while still making plays in coverage.
Tampa Bay’s current depth chart lays out a plausible path for Scott to contribute as a rookie. Jacob Parrish appears likely to begin the season as the starting nickel corner, with Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison occupying the outside roles. Scott is listed as Parrish’s primary backup at nickel, and his ability to slide outside gives defensive coordinator Todd Bowles another versatile option to deploy in sub-packages. While he may not enter training camp as a projected starter, Knox believes Scott’s relentless playing style and positional flexibility could help him secure a meaningful defensive role sooner rather than later. His adaptability could be particularly valuable as the Buccaneers seek more playmakers in the secondary throughout the 2026 season.
In the broader context of the Buccaneers’ defensive overhaul, Scott’s potential impact adds an intriguing layer to a unit aiming to improve its efficiency and depth. The team has invested in new pieces across the board, and Scott’s speed, versatility, and high-motor approach may position him to contribute in several packages—taking advantage of mismatches, generating turnovers, and providing dependable coverage in sub-packages. His presence could help alleviate pressure on the secondary, giving Bowles more latitude to mix and match components to create a more disruptive and cohesive defense. If Scott translates his college production and pre-draft buzz to the NFL level, he could turn into a valuable, under-the-radar contributor for a defense that is actively seeking better playmaking in the secondary. This storyline underscores how, in the draft, some of the most impactful selections arrive from players who fly a little below the radar but bring the right combination of athleticism, instincts, and tenacity to influence a defense right away.