It is never too early to evaluate defensive back depth for the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Jason Licht has consistently prioritized length, versatility, and ball production in the secondary, and Todd Bowles’ defensive structure depends on defensive backs who can disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers. Tampa Bay values defensive backs who can contribute across multiple alignments while maintaining physicality and coverage awareness. While the Buccaneers may not be searching for an immediate starter, adding long, instinctive defensive backs with playmaking ability remains a priority.
We are working through each position group this cycle. With that in mind, here is our report on Maryland defensive back Jalen Huskey.
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Information
- School: Maryland
- Conference: Big Ten
- Position: Defensive Back
- Height Weight: 6-2, 201 pounds
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Frederick, Maryland
Background
Huskey enters the draft as an experienced, productive defensive back with a strong blend of size and ball production. After beginning his career at Bowling Green, he transferred to Maryland and quickly became a key piece of the Terrapins’ secondary.
In 2025, Huskey started 11 games and totaled 72 tackles, four interceptions, and three pass breakups while earning Second Team All-Big Ten honors. He played a major role in a Maryland defense that generated its highest interception total in over a decade, consistently finding ways to impact the game in coverage.
His 2024 season also showed strong production, finishing with 45 tackles, three interceptions, four passes defended, and a blocked kick. Prior to his time at Maryland, Huskey was a First Team All-MAC selection at Bowling Green in 2023 after recording four interceptions and six pass breakups.
Across multiple stops, Huskey has consistently demonstrated ball skills and the ability to generate turnovers, while also serving as a team captain and leader during his senior season.
Notable Stats from 2025
- 678 total snaps
- 358 coverage snaps
- 83.6 overall defensive grade
- 67 tackles
- 10.6 percent missed tackle rate
- 20 defensive stops
- Four interceptions
- 55.9 NFL passer rating allowed
In 2023 at Bowling Green, Huskey posted an 83.1 defensive grade with just a 6.8 percent missed tackle rate, highlighting his efficiency as both a tackler and coverage defender.
Skills
- Ideal size and length for the position
- Strong ball production across multiple seasons
- Instinctive in coverage with good route recognition
- Physical presence in contested catch situations
- Versatile alignment experience across the secondary
- Reliable tackler with improving consistency
- Plays with confidence and awareness
- Ability to generate turnovers in key moments
Huskey’s size immediately stands out. At 6-2 and over 200 pounds, he brings the physical profile teams look for in modern defensive backs, particularly those asked to match up with bigger receivers.
In coverage, Huskey shows strong instincts and ball skills. His ability to track the football and create turnovers has been consistent throughout his career, and he has a natural feel for positioning himself to make plays. His four interceptions in 2025 and multiple seasons of production highlight his effectiveness in this area.
He is also willing to contribute to run support. Huskey plays with physicality, not shying away from contact, using his frame to finish tackles and support the defense near the line of scrimmage. While his missed-tackle rate shows some inconsistency at times, his effort and willingness are evident.
His experience across multiple programs and defensive systems adds to his value. He has shown the ability to adapt, produce, and step into leadership roles when needed.
Player Summary
Jalen Huskey projects as a mid-to-late Day 3 selection with the traits and production to compete for a role at the next level. His combination of size, ball skills, and experience makes him an intriguing developmental option in an NFL secondary.
In Tampa Bay, Huskey would project as a rotational defensive back with immediate special-teams value. His length and ability to disrupt passing lanes fit well within Todd Bowles’ defensive philosophy, particularly in sub-packages that require interchangeable defensive backs.
Long term, Huskey has the upside to develop into a situational contributor in coverage. If he continues to refine his tackling consistency and build on his ball production, he has a path to outperform his draft slot and carve out a role on an NFL roster.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report on Maryland DB Jalen Huskey