Shilo Sanders turning heads in Tampa, could earn starting safety spot on Bucs over Tykee Smith

While most of the spotlight this offseason has been on Shedeur Sanders and Deion Sanders, another member of the Sanders family is quietly making his case in the NFL. Shilo Sanders, the former Colorado standout, is battling for a spot in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' secondary and early signs suggest he’s right in the mix for more than just a backup role.

With Antoine Winfield Jr. locked in as Tampa Bay’s Pro Bowl-caliber free safety, the real competition this summer is for the strong safety role. That’s exactly where Sanders played at Colorado: a physical, box-heavy role built on toughness, tackling, and instincts in short-area coverage.

But Sanders isn’t the only new face competing for that spot.

Tampa is moving defensive back Tykee Smith, the former Georgia star, who is making the transition from slot corner to safety.

How their games compare: Shilo Sanders vs. Tykee Smith

Smith thrived at Georgia as a nickel corner, especially against the run. His film shows solid anticipation, physicality downhill, and the ability to cover tight ends and backs underneath.

However, playing inside at Georgia isn’t the same as patrolling the deep middle or handling consistent two-high rotations. His transition to a full-time safety role could take time as he adapts to different coverage responsibilities.

Shilo Sanders, on the other hand, is already built for the NFL’s version of the strong safety role. He’s best known as a run stopper who thrives playing downhill, but he also brings underrated coverage skills from his time at Colorado.

Sanders showed the ability to cover tight ends and slot receivers in man coverage and held his own in zone concepts. His versatility was on full display when Cam Newton posted video clips of Sanders locking up Antonio Brown in coverage during workouts, a clear sign he’s more than just a box safety.

Analytics from college tell the story

• Tykee Smith posted strong run-defense metrics at Georgia but allowed a passer rating over 90.0 when targeted from the slot in 2023, per PFF.
   
• Shilo Sanders recorded a coverage grade of 76.4 last season and allowed just 0.72 yards per coverage snap within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage, according to PFF College.
   

Shilo Sanders’ fit in Tampa Bay’s defense

Tampa Bay leans heavily on versatility in its safeties. With Winfield Jr. patrolling the deep third and handling coverage flexibility, the strong safety is expected to play more downhill, support the run, and cover tight ends in man concepts.

Sanders fits that role more cleanly from day one. He’s a natural box defender with the physicality Bowles demands, but the coverage upside is real. The Antonio Brown workout clips may not be from game tape, but they reinforce what Shilo showed at Colorado: he can play both phases of the game.

Smith brings more athletic upside but may require time to fully adapt to NFL spacing and route concepts beyond the slot.

The Sporting News recently highlighted how Sanders’ leadership and maturity are also making an impact in Tampa, a sign he’s earning respect on and off the field as he works toward a roster spot.

Shilo Sanders could seize the opportunity in Tampa

While Tykee Smith may project long-term as a versatile DB, Sanders has a clearer path to immediate playing time given his experience in the exact role Tampa Bay is looking to fill.

Special teams will play a factor, but don’t be surprised if Sanders continues climbing the depth chart this summer.

If the Bucs want physicality, energy, and a safety who can thrive close to the line of scrimmage while still holding up in coverage, Sanders might be the answer.