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Adjusting to the NFL is never easy for a rookie, especially in the secondary where the margin for error is razor thin. It became even tougher for Bucs fourth round pick, defensive back Keionte Scott, as he missed OTAs and mini-camp, so his first test of NFL action came in training camp when everything was all systems go.

“I told myself when I was drafted in the fourth round [to] just be ultimately ready to contribute to the team in any way, so that is my mindset going in,” Scott said. “Missing OTA’s and missing the spring would be a setback for somebody, but I feel like I’ve been through certain similar situations – you know, getting to a place late, so I’m just trying to use those similar situations to have the same mindset – just being prepared.”

For Scott, the early focus in training camp has been finding the right balance between instinct and intelligence.

Bucs CB Keionte Scott and CBs coach Rashad Johnson – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Scott has shown flashes of his athleticism and versatility early in camp, but like many young defensive backs, he’s learning that success at the next level requires more than just physical ability. It’s about processing information quickly — before, during and after the snap. He’s made some nice plays with some pass breakups in camp, and hopefully more will come as he gets more comfortable in this system.

Keionte Scott Is A Key Piece To Bucs’ Defense

Keionte Scott is expected to play a big role in the Bucs defense, potentially starting at the nickelback position. It’s a role that the Bucs view as a starter because Todd Bowles is in nickel defense approximately 70% of the time. Ideally, the Bucs could use last year’s nickel, Jacob Parrish, and put him on the outside with Zyon McCollum as the other outside corner. This would open up an opportunity to use Scott at nickel as the team relies on his speed and big play ability to help the defense improve.

“That’s something that I’m growing at now,” Scotts said. “It’s trying to read the stems, read the leverage, and what the receiver can [do], what he can’t do, where your help is, where your help isn’t. Just trying to implement my brain into the game, into the snap is something that I’m working on right now.”

Playing at the University of Miami, better known as “The U,” there’s a certain flair that comes with playing for the Hurricanes defense. That’s the kind of attitude he’s trying to bring to the Bucs.

Bucs CBs Jacob Parrish and Keionte Scott – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“I’ve been constantly trying to elevate my game to an NFL style in the nickel, you know, just getting comfortable,” Scott said. “My big thing is just playing little bit looser, adding some more swag to the game, kind of being free and just being myself… Ultimately, a big thing I found myself is, I feel like in college, you’re using your brain before pre-snap to get you in the right spot, then from there u kind of just playing ball.”

Under Bowles, the Bucs defense demands a high level of awareness and communication from its defensive backs. The scheme relies on players being able to diagnose plays quickly and react without hesitation – a trait that Scott is actively working to master in training camp. For a defense that needs more attitude and big plays, allowing Scott to be himself is greatly needed heading into the 2026 season.