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Have The Rookies Woken Up The Bucs Defense? August 24th, 2026The Bucs defense last year, specifically the lot that helped the Bucs choke away a playoff berth by going 2-7 to finish the season, was one of the sorriest Bucs defenses Joe’s seen since lousy Lovie Smith was around. Joe has gone so far as to use the Q-word, a four-letter word in football, to describe that defense Joe maintains that’s exactly what happened last year. But man, three rookies the Bucs drafted on defens that’s exactly what the Bucs needed, if you listen to a veteran corner. A blood transfusion on defense. “They’re going to be so much fun to play with,” Bucs corner Zyon McCollum said of the Bucs’ defensive rookies. “Keionte [Scott], he brings so much energy. “Bain’s (Rueban Bain) kind of a silent assassin. They just bring a mindset to this team that we’ve been missing and it’s good to have them on our side. “They are young guys and they’re learning fast, but it’s going to be a lot of fun playing with them.” McCollum didn’t mention Josiah Trotter. But Joe will. You can see the electricity and swagger Trotter brings to the defense just walking onto the field. He’s a game-changer that way. Joe loves the way Scott has a nose for the football and loves physical play. And Bain? What do you want Joe to say? He sort of reminds Joe of a young Warren Sapp with his drive and passion to dominate. The Bucs may not feel the full impact of these three rookies right away. But by November, Joe expects a different Bucs defense than the kitten-soft outfit last year.