★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
Oct 1, 2026
Melifonwu was a starting safety in Detroit not long ago, which makes his current role in Tampa Bay -- one tackle through three games, almost entirely on special teams -- a clear step down the depth chart behind Antoine Winfield Jr., Tykee Smith, and Miles Killebrew. The Bucs had to convert him to the 53-man roster simply because he'd used up all three of his practice-squad elevations, not because he forced his way past anyone.
Strengths: Starting-caliber NFL experience from his time in Detroit gives Tampa Bay a safety with real game reps in reserve.
Weaknesses: Buried on the depth chart behind three healthy, established safeties and limited to a special-teams role so far, with just one tackle.
