“Jamel Dean, He’s Going To Be Ok”
May 13th, 2025
Bucs cornerbacks coach Kevin Ross delivered thought-provoking comments.
Did Bucs cornerbacks coach Kevin Ross have a memory lapse today, or was he foreshadowing?
The Bucs drafted cornerbacks in Rounds 2 and 3 in the NFL Draft three weeks ago.
The move seemed to signal the Tampa demise of starting cornerback Jamel Dean, whether that be this season or next.
Today, Joe asked Ross, who was a hell of a player for 14 seasons (1984-1997), if he called Dean after the draft. And Ross cut Joe off during the question.
“Jamel Dean, he’s going to be ok; I was in the situation [as a player] in Kansas City,” Ross said. “We drafted a first-round corner, Dale Carter, [in 1992] and brought in James Hasty from the Jets [in 1995]. That’s the nature of this business. You know, when you’re trying to upgrade, you’re trying to keep your team up ready for the season and everything. So he’ll be ready. Everybody will be ready. It’s good for the backfield.”
So what exactly was Ross trying to say about Dean?
First, Ross was long gone from the Chiefs roster when Hasty arrived 30 years ago. So that confused Joe. On the flip side, Ross kept his starting job for two seasons after Carter was drafted. Of course, seasoned NFL fans know Hasty and Carter were Pro Bowlers, something Dean has never been.
Ross fielded another question about Dean and seemed like he wanted to move on from the topic.
“If Jamel Dean, if he catches the balls that he drops, we wouldn’t even be talking about this,” Ross said. “He has to catch the ball, he has to stay healthy, and he’ll be fine.”
May 13th, 2025 at 4:15 pm
Jamal Dean and next years 3rd rounder for Trey Hendrickson.
May 13th, 2025 at 4:23 pm
JUST THE BEGINNING …
The Bucs have a lot of young talent and no real holes in the roster. Over he next 2-3 years the Bucs have the luxury of adding depth. Just because they draft a guys doesn’t mean the incumbent is out.
May 13th, 2025 at 4:25 pm
@geno71 I would be all about this! A corner that cannot intercept the ball is pointless. To me he is just the same as Carlton Davis. Average. Nothing special. No Rhonde, that’s for sure.,
May 13th, 2025 at 4:26 pm
So Ross is asking Dean to do the 2 things he cannot seem to do-Catch the ball and stay on the field? Huh-the way I read that is the Bucs can save 13 mil if they cut Dean.
May 13th, 2025 at 4:33 pm
Dean got a second contract for reasons
He will be fine
Go Bucs
May 13th, 2025 at 4:36 pm
Jamal Dean and Nelly, for Trey no future pick just a 2 for 1
May 13th, 2025 at 4:37 pm
DBs should be evaluated in three dimensions.
First, preventing completions, yards after catch and scores. Dean is superior in the first dimension.
Second, taking the ball away. Dean is deficient in the second dimension.
Third, availability. Dean is heavily criticized in this dimension. But, compared to the rest of the Bucs DBs, Dean is pretty average in the third dimension.
Overall, between the three dimensions, Dean is a solid starter who requires a solid backup. After Izien, solid backups were what the Bucs were missing in DBs last year. That, and ball hawks.
Dean has not really performed well enough overall to justify the value of his current contract in terms of other contracts signed that season. But, given the way the CB market has gone nuts, he is not terribly overpaid – some, but not terribly. And, the market remains out of control. If he has his typical season, in the prevailing market, he is probably worth an extension at about his current salary. (Yes, I hear the boos!)
The Bucs have established an adequate rotation along the DL although it could use a boost.
With this draft, free agency, and perhaps one or two UDFAs, the Bucs should be able to utilize a similar rotation between the DBs. That should keep everyone fresher and healthier, and it should help the new players to develop within the system. Dean has leading role in that rotation.
May 13th, 2025 at 4:48 pm
This article just furthers my belief that the coaching staff as a whole on defense has decided to continue serving up the fresh hot garbage pass defense we’ve become accustomed to.
Adapt or die. Same in life, business, and the NFL.
Opposing offensive coaches have figured out how to exploit this defensive backfield.
I would have thought a safety might be a good choice in the draft. But apparently they wanted Shilo Sanders to yell and get press hype.
I have reached the winter of my discontent with the Bowles lead sheme.
May 13th, 2025 at 4:51 pm
I hope you are right Coach. I was sitting in Detroit at the playoff game versus the Lions when Dean dropped a ball that Jared Goff literally hit him between the numbers with. Could have been a huge play to change the momentum early in the game but Mister Hands dropped it. We will see how much better he concentrates and can stay on the field with some competition for his job.
May 13th, 2025 at 4:55 pm
The brain trust of Bowles and Licht are always churning the roster. They are always trying to find the best depth. They are always trying to find the best starters. They see these things from the inside. We fans can only see things from the outside. I don’t know how they truly see Dean. Also people like the @Joes see the situation better than I can.
May 13th, 2025 at 5:11 pm
Pops I think that is what started the angst for Bucs Fans and Dean.
With his speed that was a pick 6 and he knew it and blew his load.
So he can’t catch
Can’t stay healthy
Can’t rise up in key moments to make a momentum changing play.
If we can get value as a whole, I say trade him.
He really isn’t the type you want imparting knowledge to the rookies either.
More Life is Like a Box of Chocolates sort.
May 13th, 2025 at 5:12 pm
Morrison will beat out Dean to start. We’re talking about a first round talented receiver that dropped to us in the second round. Then there’s Dean. Bucs can’t afford to wait another 31 games for Dean to get his next pick.
May 13th, 2025 at 5:41 pm
He does good against bigger number ones but seems to have a little trouble with this shifty fast guys and tend to get injured I think. Dang good corner though.
May 13th, 2025 at 5:52 pm
I agree with you BillyBucco! If someone offers a third rounder like we got for Davis, I think I would grab (dont drop it!) the pick and take the risk!
May 13th, 2025 at 5:52 pm
“He has to catch the ball, he has to stay healthy, and he’ll be fine.”
Which Dean has never done. He’ll be fine? Doing what? Dropping balls then soaking in the tub?
What is that definition of insanity again?
May 13th, 2025 at 5:57 pm
Toopanca … ‘Overall, between the three dimensions, Dean is a solid starter who requires a solid backup.’
EXACTLY. But so did Carlton Davis (played in 89 games out of 116 in his 7 year career … 76.7% availability). So has Jalen Ramsey (played in 135 games out of 164 in his 10 year career … 82.3% availability). So has Jaire Alexander ((played in 78 games out of 116 in his 7 year career … 67.2% availability). Or maybe Marshon Lattimore (played in 99 games out of 164 in his 10 year career … 60.4% availability).
Davis? Ramsey? Alexander? Lattimore? Those players have been considered to be quality CBs for quite a few years. And yet their availability sucked for the most part. Jamel Dean’s right in there with them IMO … played in 82 games out of 100 in his 6-year career for a 82.0% availability. Hey, that’s higher than all of the others but Ramsey.
But you’re exactly right about Jamel needing a quality backup, and now I’d say he has 3 (Bryce Hall, Morrison & Parrish). Didn’t have that last year (at all). Of course, to be fair, the rest of those super stars also needed quality backups.
May 13th, 2025 at 6:10 pm
Hodad … ‘Morrison will beat out Dean to start’.
If Dean plays like he did towards the end of last year, I agree with you Hodad. But I think that he was injured (he looked to be slow as cold molasses) and hopefully that’s not the case this season.
If he’s 100%, I think that he’ll hold onto his job. Jamel went down near the start of the New Orleans game last year (we went on to win), and missed the next 4 games. Bucs lost all 4 of those. And when he came back, we went on another win streak. Got a hunch that Todd Bowles notices little things like that.
The good news in any event is that we’ve got Bryce Hall, Morrison & Parrish to fill in at outside CB this year IF the need arises. Last year we had Hayes, Thunderstruck & Thomas (who got in 0 games as a CB). My bet is that all 3 will be gone this year.
May 13th, 2025 at 6:17 pm
“He has to catch the ball, he has to stay healthy and he’ll be fine.”
How much more evidence do we need? Dean can do neither of those things. Dean is soft.
May 13th, 2025 at 6:22 pm
I forgot we re-signed Bryce Hall.
CB depth now should be a team strength. Get that center cut pass rush beefed up and we’re looking at a proper Bucs defense again, one stingy with points and yards.
May 13th, 2025 at 6:27 pm
Organization has already made it known they were willing to trade Davis or Dean. Everyone knows Deans job is on the line.
May 13th, 2025 at 6:38 pm
Dean never saw a pass he couldn’t drop.
My mind goes off the rails here.
Can you imagine a Bucs team that starts a really good secondary, and also starts Bucky Irving at RB.
14-3.
May 13th, 2025 at 7:27 pm
I know ppl like a scapegoat, and I truly get the frustration with Dean’s inability to stay healthy. But, he is not making top tier $ for a veteran DB, know Bowles’s system, and better than average (discounting interceptions and health). Considering he he missed almost a third of the season in 2024, he still managed to be 2nd on the team in PDs and 6th in tackles. Imo, I think a lot of the problem ppl have with Dean is the scheme (and ints)… the backpedalling and 10 yards off the ball is hard to watch. Also, due to a lack of pass rush the secondary is often left on an island and they are regularly called on to slam into the los to try to generate a pass rush ( and to clean up containment), which leads to these smaller DBs getting injured…just look at AWJs health history and the entire backfield last yr. In short, be careful what you wish for or Hayes may be your depth again
May 13th, 2025 at 7:48 pm
It is ridiculous for anyone to think Dean will not be the starter. He was the second best defender on the Bucs last year, at least as far as PFF grades go (when he played). The key part of that sentence was in parenthesis. The drafted corners serve to purposes. #1, as insurance against the inevitable injuries to the starting corners (especially Dean). #2, a future starter that is cheap (especially considering Dean’s salary).
May 13th, 2025 at 7:57 pm
The fact Ronde never missed a game in 16 years is mind-boggling
May 13th, 2025 at 8:11 pm
“If Jamel Dean, if he catches the balls that he drops, we wouldn’t even be talking about this,” Ross said. “He has to catch the ball, he has to stay healthy, and he’ll be fine.”
He can’t! Just saying.
May 13th, 2025 at 9:10 pm
Dean is history after this season, assuming he even makes it through the season without missing games or going on IR. The guy is a liability as he is not going to get interceptions and he isn’t going to stay healthy.
May 13th, 2025 at 10:07 pm
I’ve watched Dean for 2 years now. BA’s Red Pen says he’s soft. What stands out to me about the Defensive backfield is the lack of playing with emotion. We really need one guy to play like LaVonte plays at linebacker or Kancey at interior DL. Like what Reddick might play. I’m hoping Winfield can get back to that. But Dean doesn’t have that. He can cover, he can tackle, but sometimes he plays like he’s out on a Sunday stroll instead of steeling up for a Sunday fistfight. Parrish has that mentality, I don’t know about Morrison yet but I know Morrison is a ball hawk. Dean is a good player and good teammate but we need DAWGS! Competition dead ahead!
May 13th, 2025 at 10:48 pm
DR, thanks for the availability comparisons. Looking at stats Jair Alexander since 2018 has one year with 5 it’s and 1 or two at most years after that except 2023 when he had 0. He had 2 last year. 12 total. That’s 1.71 per year.
Jalon Ramsey has played since 2016 with 24 total including 3 years with 4 and one year with 0. That’s 1.555 per year.
Marshon Lattimore has played since 2017 with 15 total. As a rookie he has 5 ints. He didn’t have any last year, his only year with none. That’s a 1.875 average..
Dean has played since 2019. He has 8 ints. He only has 1 year with 0 but his max in any year is 2. His average is 1.33. lower, but not as drastic as I imagined.
May 13th, 2025 at 10:52 pm
Let’s just be done with this guy. I’ve seen enough to support my premise about him, objectively. At 6’1 206 lbs, he’s fast but dies not know how to use his speed. Has nice size for a cb, but is passive n can’t tackle (in Eagles game last year, after what appeared to be a sure tackle, Dean allowed SBarkley to drive him back about four yards for an additional 10+ yards gain), cant’t catch the ball (butter fingers), can’t remain healthy (fragile), is overpaid (let’s roll with the two rookies n Bryce Hall n be done with JDean saving at least $11 million.
May 13th, 2025 at 11:41 pm
Joe, I think he was trying to insinuate that bringing in the young guys should facilitate an increased level of focus by Dean. When the team brings in new guys to your position it’s your responsibility to elevate. If they are equal, the young guy will likely get the nod.
May 14th, 2025 at 3:16 am
That last from Ross was truth.
Catch the ball and stay on the field!
Dean is a decent corner but….
Go Bucs!
May 14th, 2025 at 5:33 am
seems like the bucs like dean. plus they want him to play well this year so they’re being supportive. he’s pretty good when he stays on the field. but the bucs also have no problem moving on from a guy when he doesn’t make sense for them anymore (see shaquil barrett after the 2023 season). all this to say, dean needs to step it up regardless because there is new hungry talent chomping at the bit and lined up for his spot.
May 14th, 2025 at 6:03 am
Ronde Barber is the ultimate tough guy!
The ultimate Ironman!
Yes. It’s is mind boggling he never missed a game!
May 14th, 2025 at 6:40 am
forget hendricksen. too old and too expensive. you need a fast ilb with some experience. trade dean and a pick to get one, or wait until teams start cutting players. with a better pass rush expected this year, it should help cover up some secondary flaws. no need to push panic button.