The Bucs defensive backfield depth is already being tested. With multiple defensive backs hurt or already out for the season, it is imperative that their healthy players are ready to perform at a high level. And one of those healthy, high performers is rookie cornerback Jacob Parrish, who is the front-runner for the nickelback role.

Zyon McCollum looked up to his early-2024 season form in his limited action against the Steelers last week. Jamel Dean had what appeared at the time to be a tough series that led to a Pittsburgh touchdown. But upon further review the explosive played allowed to Roman Wilson wasn't on him so much as Tykee Smith getting frozen on the intermediate cross and not giving Dean the inside and top-down leverage the coverage called for.

Additionally, the pass interference call on Dean was suspect at best. Smith's transition to safety is still a big question mark.

Bucs CB Jamel Dean Photo by: USA Today

But one player who is currently passing every test with flying colors is Parrish, who has seen solid work at both the slot and outside. After flashing bright in preseason Week 1, he followed that performance up with another impressive showing in Week 2.

Jacob Parrish vs. The Steelers

Rookie Jacob Parrish, the team's third-round pick, played 26 snaps, including 18 in coverage. He was targeted just twice, allowing just one catch for five yards while breaking up this pass in impressive fashion.

Think the Bucs got a dude in the 3rd round. pic.twitter.com/WlSo1Q9xkm

— Joshua Queipo (@josh_queipo) August 19, 2025

Parrish was once again impressive, showing quick feet with explosive change of direction skills to keep up with multi-dimensional route breaks like that cross. He was smart in coverage and physical near the line of scrimmage, creating tough jams to muddy passing lanes and disrupt route timing. But most importantly, his eyes were consistently in the right place to make a play or cut an option for the opposing quarterback.

All of this is a positive sign for the Bucs who need Parrish to hit the ground running come the regular season. If he can ensure the team has no fall off in play from Tykee Smith's impressive showing in the slot last year, it will go a long way to giving the defense a much-needed boost this year.

Outside vs. Inside

As I pointed out last week, Jacob Parrish still looks more comfortable playing outside than he does inside in the slot. That's not a surprise considering he played mostly outside cornerback at Kansas State. And that's not to say he can't or won't be successful as an inside player, where he is trending to start the season.

Despite his smaller stature at 5-foot-10, 198 pounds, he isn't afraid to play strong as a jammer or get involved fitting the run. His take-on of Titans guard Peter Skoronski two weeks ago was an exciting example of what may come from him in the future.

Bucs CB Jacob Parrish and Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson – Photo by: USA Today

But his play on the boundary brings about an interesting thought exercise. As impressive as he has looked, could he find his way into factoring into the slot while still being one of the team's top two corners? There is precedent with the Bucs and head coach Todd Bowles.

In 2020 and 2021 Bowles used Sean Murphy-Bunting as one of his starting corners in base defense with Jamel Dean operating as the "nickel" in name only. When the offense went to 11 personnel (three receivers), Dean would come onto the field and push Murphy-Bunting into the slot while Dean played on the outside.

The chances Bowles rolls with a third-round rookie as a starter over his $13 million veteran who has a Super Bowl ring are probably less than 50% as it stands. There are already a lot of moving parts and uncertainty in the defensive secondary. It's probably best not to upset the apple cart too much.

But if Parrish continues to shine it would make an interesting upside play. It gets even more interesting when second-round pick Benjamin Morrison returns to action from a hamstring injury, which has cost him three weeks of practice and likely all three preseason games. But for now, Tampa Bay can take some solace knowing they have a young player who looks the part inside, who can also give them depth on the outside.

And a potential building block for the future in the secondary.