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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<\/p>\n
April 25, 2026Updated 1:26 pm EDT<\/p>\n
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Miami safety Keionte Scott with the No. 116 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft<\/a>. Scott was the fourth-ranked safety in \u201cThe Beast.\u201d<\/p>\n Although overaged as a 25-year-old rookie, Scott brings a set of tools that defensive coordinators crave. He\u2019s a versatile weapon who can play in various situations, whether it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u2018The Beast\u2019 breakdown<\/p>\n Scott ranked No. 53 in Dane Brugler\u2019s top 300 big board<\/a>. Here\u2019s what Brugler had to say<\/a> about him in his annual NFL Draft guide:<\/p>\n \u201cScott plays like a linebacker in a cornerback\u2019s 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\u2019t show the same anticipation when working in reverse.\u201d<\/p>\n Coaching intel<\/p>\n