TS #23

Tykee Smith

Safety · Georgia

A two-time national champion at Georgia who has grown into Tampa Bay's every-down safety alongside Antoine Winfield Jr.

Tykee Smith is a versatile defensive back for Tampa Bay who transferred from West Virginia to Georgia and won two national titles before the Buccaneers drafted him in the third round. After beginning his NFL career primarily in the slot, Smith has developed into a full-time safety who paces the position group in coverage production.

★ 2024 third-round pick (No. 89 overall)

★ Two-time CFP national champion, Georgia (2021, 2022)

★ Senior Bowl MVP, American Team

★ Led NFL safeties in passes defensed (13) in 2025

Path to the league

Smith began his college career at West Virginia, where he was named a freshman All-American and earned All-America and second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2020, before transferring to Georgia. At Georgia he won back-to-back CFP national championships in 2021 and 2022 and earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2023, then capped his pre-draft process by winning Senior Bowl MVP for the American Team. Tampa Bay selected him in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, No. 89 overall.

Career highlights

Smith's blend of nickel and safety experience, sharpened by working under Georgia defensive backs coach Jahmile Addae after transferring from West Virginia, made him a versatile piece for Tampa Bay's secondary from the start. He spent his rookie season primarily in the slot before transitioning to a full-time, every-down safety role opposite Antoine Winfield Jr.

2025 season recap

Smith played 893 snaps in 2025 as Tampa Bay's starting safety opposite Winfield, ranking first among NFL safeties with 13 passes defensed. He earned a 65.8 overall PFF defensive grade on the year and, despite the productive season, did not receive a Pro Bowl selection.