Bucs Secondary Is Loaded With Do-It-All DBs

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When it comes to the Bucs’ secondary entering this season, the starting five is all but locked down.

Unless Benjamin Morrison dazzles over the next few weeks, the second-round pick will likely be cornerback No. 3 behind starters Zyon McCollum and Jamel Dean. Safeties Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tykee Smith will be holding down the backend, while early indications are that third-round pick Jacob Parrish will be getting the most reps as the nickelback among all the options.

Still, after Tampa Bay’s secondary depth was tested heavily last season, having a versatile sixth man and guys on the bench ready to jump in wherever they are needed is essential, especially in head coach Todd Bowles’ defense.

That is why Bowles is ecstatic after seeing several unsung defensive backs make an impact and display versatility early in training camp.

Bucs CB Bryce Hall Has Had An “Unbelievable” Comeback

Signing with the Bucs as a free agent heading into the 2024 season, Bryce Hall was expected to be a contributor in the Bucs secondary. While playing behind Zyon McCollum and Jamel Dean, Hall’s experience was seen as a plus and he entered the year as the third cornerback on the depth chart.

After being pressed into action during Tampa Bay’s 37-20 Week 1 win over the Commanders when McCollum left the game early, Hall came in and suffered a dislocated right ankle and fractured fibula. That marked an unfortunate end to his campaign, and he has been on the climb back since.

Hall has had a difficult time seeing the field in recent seasons, for one reason or another. Since starting all 17 games for the Jets in 2021, he has played in just 14 games (with two starts). Still 27 years old, he received a second chance to get his career back on track with the Bucs on a one-year deal and is already making a case for playing time.

It started with his hot start to camp, when Hall recorded a pick-six on the first day and almost had another the following day. It took him a little bit to get another pick but did so on Tuesday night off quarterback Baker Mayfield.

His strong coverage skills, work ethic, and leadership have already impressed Todd Bowles.

“From what he had [referring to his injury], to how he came back, to where he is now is unbelievable from what I saw from him,” Bowles said after the first day of camp. “He’s a tireless worker. He’s in great spirits all the time. He worked at it, and he earned it. He did a heck of a job today, as well.”

When asked about a secondary group he is expected to lead as a team captain, the first player Antoine Winfield Jr. mentioned was Hall.

“We are in the same room now, so we are able to have better communication that way,” Winfield said. “Bryce [Hall] has been balling, he is the comeback [route] merchant… He has been doing a great job.”

Todd Bowles: “Christian Izien Has Already Made The Team”

As aforementioned above, having a skilled sixth man in the Bucs secondary behind the team’s five projected starters is important. Someone who can play multiple positions in a pinch, doing so with competence and production.

Look no further than Christian Izien to fill that role.

Starting last season as a projected backup behind Antoine Winfield Jr. and rookie nickelback Tykee Smith, injuries pushed Izien into action sooner rather than later. In that same season-opener, the undrafted defensive back finished the game as an outside cornerback. Throughout the year he turned into a chess piece, playing 308 snaps at free safety and 205 as a nickelback. He was entrusted by Todd Bowles and did not let the veteran head coach and defensive play-caller down.

“He [was] pretty much our unsung hero last year, defensively,” Bowles said. “He can make a lot of plays, he can do a lot of things. I’m just happy to see him healthy and out there flying around again.”

In 14 games (10 starts), Izien recorded 75 tackles, four tackles for loss, and an interception. After recording an interception and having a strong practice on Monday, it was revealed that he has already secured a roster spot.

“‘Izzy’ (Christian Izien) is valuable,” Bowles added. “He’s going to be here. I can say he’s made the team. I can tell you he made the team. He does so many things well for us. He’s a football player. He comes to practice; he comes to play. You see the same guy every day. He just loves to play, and the guys love him. He’s been great for the defense.”

Do not forget about him when it comes to the Bucs defensive back picture.

Kindle Vildor Is A “Jack Of All Trades” In Bucs Secondary

Candidly speaking, there was not a lot of buzz when cornerback Kindle Vildor signed with the Bucs in free agency. Thought to be someone to fill the role of veteran defensive back and special teams ace Tavierre Thomas, Vildor has more than looked the part of a player who can elevate the cornerback room and push youngsters Josh Hayes and Tyrek Funderburk.

The six-year veteran has carved out a niche as a depth piece who can do a little bit of everything. That is why when Todd Bowles was asked about what he has seen from the defensive backs early in camp, Vildor was the one who earned his attention.

“A lot of versatility back there – there are a lot of guys that can do a lot of things,” Bowles said. “All of them are very smart. Obviously, [Kindle] Vildor coming in, No. 22, does a lot of things well for us. That was a surprise. We keep moving them around and seeing what they’re good at. We know what they can do at the position they’re in, but we want to see, just in case of emergencies or if things come up, can they do other things? Right now, that’s part of the process of it.”

After playing sparingly for the Lions last year making two starts and logging just under 50% of the team’s special team’s snaps, Vildor has emerged as an option for the fifth cornerback spot. It will be an ongoing battle throughout the rest of camp and the preseason, but his skillset is one that could nicely round out the room.

“He takes great notes,” Bowles added when asked about Vildor further on Monday. “He understands something one time when you tell him. He can play either side, he can play nickel [cornerback]. He’ll be valuable on [special] teams, hopefully. To have a guy that’s a jack of all trades and can do that, it’s important for him trying to make the team. He does a lot of those things. He does everything right. You don’t ever notice him making a big splash, but when you look up, he’s always in the right place and that’s important.”