The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have their eyes set on Illinois Fighting Illini safety, Sydney Brown, for the upcoming NFL draft. Brown is a versatile player who can play both free safety and strong safety positions, making him an attractive pick for a team that is looking to bolster its defense. With his excellent instincts, physicality, and ball skills, the Bucs believe that Brown would be an asset to their team and a valuable addition to their secondary. Read on to learn more about this talented young prospect.
Introduction
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are gearing up for the 2021 season and have set their sights on adding depth and talent to their secondary. With that in mind, the Bucs have reportedly expressed interest in Illinois safety Sydney Brown.
Who is Sydney Brown?
Sydney Brown is a 6-foot, 200-pound safety who played his college football at the University of Illinois. During his three seasons with the Illini, Brown recorded 222 tackles, five interceptions, 17 passes defended, and two forced fumbles. He was named to the All-Big Ten honorable mention team in 2020 and is considered to be one of the top safety prospects in the upcoming NFL draft.
Why are the Bucs targeting Sydney Brown?
The Buccaneers finished the 2020 season with the league’s best rushing defense, but their pass defense struggled at times. The Bucs ranked 21st in the NFL in pass defense, and their safety position was seen as a weak point for the team.
Tampa Bay has already addressed their cornerback position by re-signing veteran Ross Cockrell and adding former Cincinnati Bengals corner, Mike Hilton. However, the safety position is still a question mark for the Bucs. Veteran safety, Antoine Winfield Jr. played incredibly well in his rookie season, but the team could use more depth and competition at the position.
Sydney Brown could be the answer to the Bucs’ safety position questions. He’s a versatile safety who can play both free and strong safety, making him a valuable asset to the team. Brown’s ability to make plays on the ball and his excellent tackling skills make him a potential difference-maker on defense.
How would Sydney Brown fit with the Bucs?
If the Bucs do decide to target Sydney Brown, he would fit in well with the team’s defensive scheme. Tampa Bay defensive coordinator, Todd Bowles, likes to use a lot of multiple safety sets, and Brown’s versatility would make him an excellent addition to that scheme.
Brown’s skills in pass coverage would also help the Bucs improve their pass defense. He’s an excellent read-and-react player who can quickly diagnose plays and make plays on the ball. His tackling ability would also be a significant asset in the run game, where the Bucs were already strong last season.
Conclusion
The Bucs have made it clear that they are willing to invest in their defense this offseason, and targeting a player like Sydney Brown would be a smart move. Adding depth and competition to the safety position can only make the team better, and Brown’s versatility and playmaking ability would be a valuable asset to the team.
It remains to be seen whether the Bucs will decide to target Brown in the draft or explore other options, but if they do, fans should be excited about the potential impact he could have on the team’s defense in the upcoming NFL season.
