ESPN Names Buccaneers Rookie CB as Potential Impact Player

The Buccaneers earned widespread acclaim for their six NFL Draft picks, prioritizing football smarts and character over flashy names to land talented players who fit their needs.

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht and his staff have prided themselves on taking well-rounded football players who fit the framework and culture of the team. In past seasons, their change of philosophy has yielded immediate results from their recent draft classes.

Third-round cornerback Jacob Parrish has made an instant impression, standing out from the Buccaneers’ draft class with two interceptions and a rapid grasp of the team’s system during rookie minicamp.

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ESPN’s Field Yates recently highlighted Jacob Parrish as one of the top impact players selected outside the first round, ranking the cornerback No. 10 on his list of defensive standouts.

“Tampa Bay doubled-dipped at cornerback on Day 2, selecting Parrish in Round 3 after taking Benjamin Morrison in Round 2. Parrish finished 64th on my final board, and I believe he can translate his versatile game to the pro level. He played 395 snaps as an outside corner and 201 snaps as a slot corner in 2024. Parrish has premier speed and capable ball skills, and he is a very skilled blitzer. That should shine on a Todd Bowles-coached team.”

Jacob Parrish is generating buzz as one of the rookies closest to securing a starting role. With Tykee Smith’s shift to safety creating an opening at nickel corner, Parrish will compete with current starter Christian Izien for the job.

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Parrish is positioned to compete for multiple roles, including outside cornerback against Jamel Dean and Benjamin Morrison, as well as nickel cornerback following Tykee Smith’s move to safety. Despite Head Coach Todd Bowles initially viewing Parrish as an outside corner, his versatility might see him contributing early, potentially even starting at slot defender as early as Week 1 against the Falcons.