WILL VRAGOVIC | Times
TAMPA — As the Bucs continue their transition to a new defense under coordinator Mike Smith, he has made it clear that the defining aspect will be its multiple looks and roles for players across different positions.
"We're looking for as much flexibility as we possibly can, to be able to scheme against our opponents, to be able to prepare for injuries," Smith said Thursday. "You have to have multiple guys prepared at different positions."
So while the Bucs have only three defensive tackles with significant experience, Smith said he's preparing for a nickel defense — which accounts for about 65 percent of the defensive snaps — to include conventional ends working as interior pass-rushers.