​Sports Illustrated recently named Buccaneers defensive back Keionte Scott as one of seven sleeper rookies around the NFL who are close to claiming starting jobs entering Week 1. Scott entered the offseason facing competition from Jacob Parrish for work in the slot, but that picture has changed. Parrish has been listed as a starting outside cornerback on Tampa Bay’s unofficial depth chart, potentially clearing the way for Scott to take over inside.Sports Illustrated called the No. 116 overall pick a “draft weekend steal” and specifically highlighted Scott’s energy and football IQ as traits that should allow him to fit naturally into Bowles’ defense. The biggest question is his health after suffering an ankle injury during Tampa Bay’s preseason finale, although the injury has been described as minor. If Scott does secure the nickel job, the Buccaneers could have another extremely versatile piece in their secondary. His style of play resembles a mixture of Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tykee Smith. He is rangey, solid tackling, and has the IQ to diagnose plays before they happen. He has the coverage ability to handle nickel responsibilities but also plays with the physicality and instincts needed to become involved against the run and around the line of scrimmage.Sports Illustrated believes the opportunity is already there. If Scott takes advantage of it, Tampa Bay could enter the season with another young defensive back capable of filling several responsibilities within Bowles’ scheme. Pairing that type of player with Winfield and Smith could give Bowles exactly what his defense thrives on. Having a rotation of both Parrish and Scott at nickel while Benjamin Morrison develops and returning Buccaneer Sean Murphy-Bunting gets acclimated, Bowles could open up the defensive playbook to more exotic looks, something that was handicapped in 2025 due to injury. The position group that looked like a clear weak link coming into the preseason may be the deepest on the roster. This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Late Round rookie emerges as favorite for starting role