Jason Licht: Rookie Cornerbacks Have Been As “Amazing” As Emeka Egbuka
June 23rd, 2025
“Dean, Zyon, the boss says these dudes are comin’ for you.”
Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht tries hard to contain his swagger publicly when talking about the Tampa Bay roster.
It’s an effort.
Thankfully, Licht has a quality stable that requires him to rein in his excitement so he doesn’t sound like a high-fivin’, chest-bumpin’ buffoon in June.
The entire stud offense returns, and it’s collectively a young group that just added Emeka Egbuka, a first-round pick at wide receiver.
Licht told Sports Day Tampa Bay that Egbuka, through the spring, looked more talented and explosive than the Bucs even expected after drafting him at No. 19 overall. Joe would agree. Egbuka, in practices open to media, looks like a very hungry stud.
But what Licht said about his next two draft picks, cornerbacks Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish, really got Joe’s attention.
“They’ve been as amazing as what we talk about Emeka,” Licht said. “And, you know, I know Todd’s come out and talked about how smart [Emeka] is; ‘Plug him in any of the positions in wide receiver, we’re good.’ Those guys have been equally as impressive. It’s been fun to watch. I mean, I don’t want to already stamp them as [stars], but we feel very, very good about them helping us out a lot this year. Plus Zyon’s having an amazing offseason as well. Very few teams, I think, have three young corners with that much talent right now.”
Strong stuff there from Licht.
Imagine if Licht hits on these first three draft picks like he feels he has as of today. The Bucs could be looking at a dozen wins.
Regardless, what a cornerbacks competition it will be in training camp.
Zyon McCollum is in a contract year and the rookies are looking NFL-ready. And remember, Jamel Dean remains in play with his fat contract, Super Bowl ring and big-time skillset.
June 23rd, 2025 at 2:14 am
I feel he did hit on his first 4 picks, what’s crazy is that Lichts favorite pick of the draft was his 4th pick and until we get pads on there’s no way to tell how Walker really looks. If we hit on 3 of 4 picks in the first 4 I think we’re vastly improved from last season.
June 23rd, 2025 at 6:28 am
I honestly think we got 3 first round picks with Emeka, Morrison and Parish.
Morrison was considered the top CB before the hip issue. He’s a 1st round talent that we got in the 2nd.
Parish is also a 1st round talent but he dropped 2 rounds because of 2 inches.
But Parish is a first round athlete. A 4.3 CB who tackles, blitzes and is very cunning.
And I also think David Walker has a 1st round ceiling.
June 23rd, 2025 at 6:57 am
Ouch! Licht left out Jamel Dean. Sounds like he is in the doghouse.
June 23rd, 2025 at 7:30 am
I bet Dean will be out 6 weeks with an injury to his after reading this article.
June 23rd, 2025 at 7:31 am
*pride
June 23rd, 2025 at 8:01 am
I’ll be looking forward to the joint practices to see how the rookies can play. After last year’s preseason, Tyrek Funderburk, was hailed as a great CB, don’t forget how Funderburk and Hayes played under the tutelage of CB coach Kevin Ross, I would be more optimistic if Ross had done better last year. This year we are hopeful these rookie DB’s can play, but I’m not buying the underwear season praise.
June 23rd, 2025 at 8:03 am
We do have an extremely talented roster, on both sides of the ball, heading into the 2025 season. As they are every season for every team, injuries are an unknown. They’re unpredictable and unpreventable. The only other major uncertainty for the Bucs this year is the performance of Grizzard, the new OC. If these two unknowns fall on the positive side, the 2025 Bucs will be a formidable team.
BEAT ATLANTA!