RADIO
Tykee Smith 2026 Fantasy Football Outlook: Continued Development in a Relatively New Role Could Raise the Ceiling Even Higher Following a Breakout Sophomore Campaign
Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Tykee Smith hit triple-digit tackles and emerged as one of 2025's biggest IDP breakouts while essentially learning two new positions. Throughout his collegiate career at Georgia and as a third-round rookie in 2024, Smith was used primarily as a slot cornerback, but in his second season with the Buccaneers, he saw close to an even split between deep and box safety alignments, with his versatility still allowing him to mix in looks at the slot, and occasionally as an outside linebacker in Todd Bowles' blitz-heavy defense. That versatility creates an ideal fantasy profile. Smith can pile up tackles at a high rate when deployed closer to the action, while his range and instincts still allow him to capitalize on splash-play opportunities when working in space alongside All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. There is also reason to believe his best football may still be ahead of him. Tampa's defense remains one of the league's most aggressive, consistently providing opportunities for defensive backs to make impact plays, but after creating a class-leading five turnovers as a rookie, Smith managed only one in 2025, suggesting an even higher ceiling as he becomes more comfortable playing downhill. While he may not yet carry the name recognition of Winfield, Smith offers legitimate DB1 upside, making him one of the more appealing values at the position in 2026 IDP drafts.
