Bucs CB Scott Making Instant Impact As Rookie

While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' top draft pick, Rueben Bain Jr., has had a slow start to his NFL career, head coach Todd Bowles has gotten instant production from other first-year players.

Josiah Trotter has cemented himself within the race for Defensive Rookie of the Year with his early production, while former Miami defensive back Keionte Scott has fit right into Bowles' defensive scheme.

Through the opening five weeks, Scott has totaled 25 tackles, two stuffs, and two passes defensed, while displaying his versatility when on the field.

Scott fills in at the nickel position and on the exterior, moving around and serving as a plus-defender against the run.

In Tampa's 24-16 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Scott recorded a career-high seven takedowns, while breaking up a pass from Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

His pass breakup was on a blitz, getting penetration up the middle and forcing an incompletion on a tipped ball.

Alongside Bain, Scott helped anchor a Miami defense that dominated en route to a title game appearance.

Scott posted a Second-team All-ACC season, recording 64 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and five sacks.

He added two interceptions, returning both for touchdowns. His most iconic moment came in last year's Cotton Bowl, as Scott jumped a screen route and took it the other way for six.

His touchdown gave Miami a 14-0 lead over Ohio State, ultimately leading to a 24-14 victory.

Prior to this game, Scott shined in a defensive slugfest against Texas A&M, recording ten tackles and two sacks, also forcing a fumble. Scott was all over the field, helping the Canes' defense hold the Aggies to just three points.

Scott's 13 tackles for loss jump off the stat sheet, especially for his position, as he frequently found ways into the defensive backfield, even when starting from the second level.

For Bowles, who loves to have his defensive backs creep down to the line of scrimmage for potential blitzing opportunities, Scott fits perfectly.

As Benjamin Morrison and Antoine Winfield Jr. continue to miss time with injuries, Scott will need to continue to perform and move around the field.

The Bucs are back in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday afternoon, who have begun to click in the passing game.

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has thrown nine passing touchdowns over his past three games, with the team threatening for the AFC North lead.

Picking up a victory against the Steelers would thrust the Bucs firmly back into the race for their own division.