Third-round rookie Jacob Parrish reportedly earned the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ starting nickel corner job. One of the positions with the biggest question mark heading into the offseason seems to have found an answer.
The 21-year-old has fully caught the attention of the Buccaneers organization. General manager Jason Licht mentioned that Parrish “really stood out” during the offseason, and listed him as one of the two most impressive rookies so far.
Parrish should slot in alongside Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum in the starting corner group. The rookie has primarily been playing in the slot, allowing his veteran teammates to play to their strengths on the perimeter.
Preseason Proved Parrish Belongs
After an impressive training camp where Jacob Parrish consistently found himself around the ball, he followed up with a solid preseason. He appeared in the Buccaneers’ first two games, as a starter in Week 1.
That first NFL action for the rookie saw him make multiple flashy plays in limited playing time. Parrish came away with two pass breakups in just 18 total snaps, 13 of which came at nickel.
It was a great opportunity for the former Kansas State Wildcat to build confidence. Getting on the field and producing at a high level in the NFL reinforced the beliefs that Parrish already had for himself.
“I always knew I could play in this league,” Parrish said. “[I want to] keep putting tape on each and every Sunday, showing people I can play in the league. That’s not something I’m questioning at all.”
Preseason Week 2 showcased more of Parrish’s versatile skill set. He played 26 total snaps, with only eight from the slot. The 21-year-old allowed just one catch for five yards, adding on a pass breakup.
Parrish’s willingness to help out in the run game made him a prime candidate as a nickel corner. In his second preseason game, he made three tackles, including an impressive tackle for loss.
The Fit Is Seamless
With head coach Todd Bowles constantly moving pieces around on his defense, Jacob Parrish could be a valuable asset. With his elite 4.35 speed, and ability to hold his own in the trenches, the rookie can be moved around and keep offenses guessing.
What Bowles has been most impressed by thus far is how sharp Parrish’s mind is.
“You tend to forget that he’s a rookie coming in,” Bowles said. “His preparation and toughness… You tell him something one time, and he’s got it. He loves to compete. He goes outside, he goes inside, he plays special teams, and he’s been a joy to be around.”
The 21-year-old’s polish as a corner has been on full display this offseason. Linebacker Lavonte David shared that Parrish “Already looks like a vet,” always staying locked in.
Parrish knows he still has plenty to learn, leaning on his more experienced teammates for advice. From other corners in the room, to wide receiver Sterling Shepard, Parrish knows listening to those around him will help him be successful.
“It’s hard to say [Parrish has] grown, because he’s been good since the first day he got here,” Bowles said. “We correct him very little, and that’s a scary thing, especially for me. We don’t say his name much because he’s always doing the right things.”
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