Miami safety Keionte Scott is a versatile weapon who can play in pass coverage, as a tackler against the run or as a blitzer. Megan Briggs / Getty Images
April 25, 2026Updated 1:26 pm EDT
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Miami safety Keionte Scott with the No. 116 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Scott was the fourth-ranked safety in “The Beast.”
Although overaged as a 25-year-old rookie, Scott brings a set of tools that defensive coordinators crave. He’s a versatile weapon who can play in various situations, whether it’s as a defender in pass coverage, as a tackler against the run or as a blitzer. Additionally, he played special teams all four years as an FBS player, which could allow him to make an immediate impact, regardless of how long it takes him to acclimate to the NFL.
Scott did have some injury issues in two of the past three seasons, but he returned to the field in 2023 after a serious ankle injury sidelined him for three games. He suffered a foot injury late last season that was considered to be season-ending, but Scott returned for the College Football Playoff and helped the Hurricanes make a run to the championship game.
‘The Beast’ breakdown
Scott ranked No. 53 in Dane Brugler’s top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide:
“Scott plays like a linebacker in a cornerback’s body. His ability to set the edge, avoid blocks and make stops at the line of scrimmage is coaching tape for young nickels. He screams downhill as a blitzer and chases down runners in pursuit, although he comes in hot, which can lead to breakdowns in the open field. He sniffs out passing lanes downhill but doesn’t show the same anticipation when working in reverse.”
Coaching intel
What an anonymous coach had to say about Scott in Bruce Feldman’s mock draft:
“Hell of a player,” said a coach whose team faced Miami in the Playoff. “His tape at Auburn wasn’t great or amazing. But his tape at Miami, whoa. He’s very twitchy and smart. You could tell he does his homework, and he plays with such an edge.”
Ted Nguyen’s assessment
Scott fell further than expected but going to a team coached by blitz-happy Todd Bowles is perfect. Scott is a nickel who can play man, defend the run and rush the passer. He seriously has legit pass-rush moves. He told me he’s worked on them with defensive line coaches and he did plenty of pass rushing in Miami’s aggressive scheme. His age likely caused him to fall on draft boards but he could be a Day 1 starter.
Apr 25, 2026
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