Buccaneers Select Kansas State Cornerback in Third Round

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected their second cornerback of the draft Friday night as they picked Jacob Parrish from Kansas State. A round earlier the Buccaneers drafted Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison.

Parrish is a little on the short side, as he plays at 5-foot-9, so he is more of a nickel corner which is currently being held by Tykee Smith. He would inherit the position is Smith moves to safety as projected.

Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles likes his corners to pursue the football. Parrish has grabbed five interceptions and has broken up 23 passes throughout his collegiate career. He also had 102 tackles for Kansas State. 

He accumulated 50 tackles and eight passes broken up last season for the Wildcats.

The Buccaneers could use the assistance in the defensive backfield as they allowed the fourth-most passing yards in the league last season. Bowles, a defensive-minded coach, wanted to make defense a priority this offseason.

Parrish also ran a fast 4.35 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.  His time stood out among the corners and undoubtedly led him to being the 84th selection in the NFL Draft.

According to NFL.com, "Parrish is a compact, twitchy corner with quick feet and explosive closing burst. His press-man technique and route recognition shine in man coverage, though his 5’9¾”, 191-pound frame may limit him to nickel roles. He’s physical, tackling willingly, but struggles against bigger receivers and shedding blocks."

Parrish is the first former Wildcat off the board in the 2025 draft.