The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted cornerback Keionte Scott with the 116th pick of the NFL Draft in the fourth round. Scott played for the University of Miami last season. He transferred from Auburn University, where he played three seasons.
Defensive back has been a huge need for Tampa Bay after losing Jamel Dean to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jacob Parrish, Benjamin Morrison, and Zyon McCollum are the current three names that played significant snaps for the Buccaneers last season. However, none of those players showed that they were lock down options.
Scott enters the NFL with plenty of experience, producing a combined 179 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 3 interceptions, 14 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles over four seasons.
The Bucs Got a Steal with Scott in the Fourth Round
GettyKeionte Scott was tabbed as a day two pick by draft analysts.
Draft analysts were high on Scott relative to other defensive back prospects overall. They pegged him as a day two pick in most rankings, so the Buccaneers stole him in the fourth round of the NFL Draft.
PFF ranked Scott as their 55th overall prospect in the draft. They graded him very highly in 2025 (89.6) after a down season in 2024 (48.1). His 2023 season was also viewed highly with a 72.3 total grade. In 2025, he excelled in all facets of the game with a 87.1 coverage grade and a 91.2 run defense grade. He was proficient in both man (77.7) and zone (80).
PFF said, “Scott is a tone-setter in run defense with a physical mentality. His zone coverage is adequate, but man coverage limitations may restrict his role.”
Dane Brugler of the Athletic tabbed Scott as a second or third round prospect. However, Brugler ranked Scott as the fourth best safety instead of a cornerback. Brugler calls Scott a “linebacker in a cornerbacks body,” noting his versatility in coverage and rushing the passer as shown by his sacks.
Brugler said, “Scott offers a unique blend of quick processing and decisive speed that makes him a natural fit as an attacking nickel, although some schemes might view him as too specialized outside of subpackages. Along with on special teams, he can give an NFL defense meaningful snaps in the right situation.”
Keionte Scott Athletic Profile
GettyKeionte Scott measured as an elite athlete during his testing.
During the NFL Combine and his pro day, Scott tested as an elite prospect athletically. He scored a 9.7 RAS Score, which makes him the 92nd most athletic corner since 1987. His composite score were just okay for his position. He is just above 5’11” and weighs between 191 and 193 lbs. However, he has incredible speed, running a 4.33 40 yard dash, 2.39 20 yard split, and a 1.53 10 yard split. His explosion drills were also excellent with a 44” vertical jump and a 10’3” broad jump.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Draft Keionte Scott with Pick 116