Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense catching up to offense in OTAs

TAMPA -- The offense generally has its way with the offense in Organized Team Activities, especially since there is no contact and defensive linemen really can't pressure a quarterback they can hit.

As a result, at least in the sessions open to the media, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense has had some pretty good days behind quarterback Jameis Winston, who has enjoyed throwing to his new targets in wide receiver DeSean Jackson and tight end O.J. Howard.

Last week, it was newcomer Chris Godwin and returning slot receiver Adam Humphries who had big days, according to head coach Dirk Koetter.

But on Thursday, the final OTA practice before next week's mandatory minicamp, the defense found its swagger.

Linebacker Kwon Alexander had a red-zone interception of a Winston pass intended for Howard. Cornerback Ryan Smith, who is making the move from safety back to his original position, had what would have amounted to a pick-six. Backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick lost a fumble.

Turnovers were a big part of the Bucs' success on defense the second half of the 2016 season under defensive coordinator Mike Smith. A better understanding of the defense, combined with the addition of defensive tackle Chris Baker and rookie safety Justin Evans, the second-round pick from Texas A&M, should provide more pressure on the passer and range in the secondary.

Where the Bucs are thin is at cornerback. Brent Grimes, even at 34, doesn't look as if he has lost much since last season. He was one of the highest-rated defensive backs in the NFL a year ago. The Bucs have challenged Vernon Hargreaves, who had only one interception and was the only defensive back to yield more than 1,000 yards receiving a year ago, to become more aggressive in coverage.

That leaves a player like Smith to provide depth and perhaps win the third cornerback job.

"Ryan's got a major role we need him to fill for us, and Ryan's had his ups and downs," Koetter said. "We were excited about him. He went through a two- or three-day period where we thought he was in a little bit of a funk.

"But that's two (good) days in a row. He had a beautiful interception in the red zone yesterday. That would have been a pick-six. No one's going to catch him. I was giving him a hard time right there asking if he could outrun the quarterback and the center."

Smith is benefitting from lots of reps with Grimes missing several OTA workouts.