The Bucs brought in a pair of veteran safeties in Logan Ryan and Keanu Neal this offseason after parting ways with Jordan Whitehead. So far, they’ve been tremendous additions to the safety room. Not only have they been making plays on the practice field, but they’ve also offered a wealth of knowledge for the younger players to learn from.

One of those younger safeties is Mike Edwards. The fourth-year pro is stepping into a larger role this season as he enters the final year of his contract. Known for his ball-hawking and play-making abilities, he’ll be asked to do more than just be a rotational guy. Having veterans like Neal and Ryan in the room has been beneficial for Edwards, and he’s loved being able to pick up things from them.

Bucs S Mike Edwards – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“I pick up a lot of things from them,” Edwards said. “Just the little things. They’re more experienced and have been there for, Keanu has been there for six years and Logan been there for 10 years. So I’ve definitely picked their brain a little bit. And I’ve learned a little bit of things about them and it’s just great having them. We need some veteran guys like that in the secondary, and everybody can learn from them and learn from each other. I’ve loved it.”

Edwards isn’t the only one who has taken advantage of the experience in the room. Pro Bowler Antoine Winfield, Jr. has been leaning on both newcomers for advice as well. He’s specifically learned what they see and would do in certain situations. The third-year pro is looking for any knowledge he can gain from the smart and savvy veteran safeties.

“Just learning from the vets – Logan and Keanu – they’re both great guys,” Winfield said. “Very smart. I’m just really asking them questions and seeing how they would fit here and here in different situations. So, it’s been good to have them in the room, just to pick their brain.”

Any knowledge Edwards and Winfield can gain will be beneficial to building upon stellar seasons for the two. Edwards will look to secure a second contract with the Bucs, while Winfield has All-Pro aspirations on his mind. Having Neal and Ryan in the room to mentor the two young safeties should only improve their performance for the 2022 season.