Rondé Barber Ranks Jacob Parrish Ahead Of Benjamin Morrison
May 23rd, 2025
Rookie cornerback Jacob Parrish.
How much of a Bucs insider is Rondé Barber? Joe has shared countless examples. But consider that on his WFLA-TV show this week, Barber noted how he watched the film of Bucs rookie minicamp because he couldn’t attend it.
That’s an insider to the extreme.
So what did the Hall of Fame cornerback see? Barber says he watched an impressive rookie crop that looks ready to compete.
Many rookies are not ready to compete against veterans in spring practice or training camp, per Barber. He claims he was one of them, which led to a slow start to Barber’s historic career.
Barber was asked on the show to name the Bucs rookies most vital to the team’s success. While rookie edge rusher David Walker grabbed Barber’s No. 1 spot (a somewhat intriguing and sad commentary), next was rookie cornerback Jacob Parrish, the third-round pick.
“He’s atypical of every other Bucs corner on the roster, which I love.” Barber said, noting Parrish’s 5-10 height and elite speed.
“I like his tape and because he’s not coming off an injury, I think he’s the more immediate contributor, if you ask me,” Barber said when comparing Parrish to second-round pick cornerback Benjamin Morrison.
“The one thing that differentiates this kid from some other smaller DBs is his ability to tackle. He’s not only willing, but an effective tackler, especially in the open field.
“I heard somebody describe him as ‘short but not small.’ That’s a perfect description for this guy because he’s a great open field tackler. Like he’s not scared to put his chest on people and bring bit people to the ground. And I feel like his confidence, you know, not only playing in pass coverage but in run defense, I think makes this guy one of our really, really impactful early rookies.”
Barber also likes how Parrish played outside and inside at Kansas State, whereas Morrison was more exclusively an outside corner.
Joe loves how it’s going to be a heck of a fun competition at all three cornerback positions this spring and summer.
May 23rd, 2025 at 7:19 am
By all accounts, Parrish had an outstanding two days of rookie camp. He had what….three picks? Two of which he housed. I. Love. It! But is sustainable? Probably not. But regardless – it sounds like the Bucs got a dawg in the third round!
May 23rd, 2025 at 7:21 am
Also – what is the “sad commentary” regarding David Walker all about?
May 23rd, 2025 at 7:33 am
Joe
We are finna get TOASTED vs the Rams, Stafford to Davonte Adams… Stafford to Puka Nacua etc…. Then you gotta worry about the commanders Daniels to Mclaurin, Daniels to Deebo Samuel etc
You get my point
We not finna do well against Good QBs with multiple weapons.
For the love of God. This is our 50th season. GO GET JALEN RAMSEY and stop playing around
May 23rd, 2025 at 7:35 am
Sad commentary because a rookie 4th round pick is needed at edge.
May 23rd, 2025 at 7:57 am
Jarret, you don’t know that.
May 23rd, 2025 at 8:02 am
@Tampabaybf: If what you type is accurate I would argue that the commentary isn’t sad at all. If Walker can seriously put heat on opposing QB’s, if not this year but at least by next…that would be a cause for celebration. As in, “Oh hell yea! Look what we scooped up in the fourth round!”
May 23rd, 2025 at 8:38 am
Always good to hear from Ronde’. Parrish is headed to starting slot.
May 23rd, 2025 at 9:00 am
Morrison hasn’t had much chance to do anything yet. I’d hold off the comparison till he can get in the live action. All he did in rookie camp was individual stuff.
May 23rd, 2025 at 9:10 am
Jarrett, how do you know? Are you a coach? Soothsayer?
Madam Jarrett with crystal ball insight?
Bucs don’t play the Rams until week 12 and if we play Washington, it has to be in the playoffs.
Type sometime in week 11 if our defense is injured or playing badly, but at least let mini camps start and see what we have. Ramsey could be washed and Morrison the better player at that point. You just don’t know. No one does. I’d rather see us grab a ILB. More of a need and wouldn’t cost as much.
May 23rd, 2025 at 9:22 am
This could be Jason Licht’s best draft when we look back in 3 years. Ronde knows what it looks like so I trust what I am hearing. I am looking forward to watching Walker and hope we get some solid pressure from the edge with the addition of Reddick.
May 23rd, 2025 at 11:24 am
Ya not allowing Benjamin to have the #20 speaks for itself!!
May 23rd, 2025 at 11:46 am
he would know
May 23rd, 2025 at 1:49 pm
What an odd take by Jarrett.
It took Adams 145 targets last year to get a 1065 yards and 8 TDs.
It took 110 targets for Mike Evans to get 1004 yards and 11 TDs. That is considerably better efficiency.
It took 62 targets for Godwin to get 576 yards and 5 TDs.
Puka was 106 targets for 990 yards and 3 TDs.
We’ve got a more efficient passing attack. They have no one after their top 2 guys catching the ball.
So Puka and Davante could still go for 180 yards and 1 TD against us and the rest of their receivers end up with 60 yards and no TDs against us. Not a big deal.
Even odder is Deebo who had one good season 5 years ago and his worst season last year.
Ramsey’s an all time greats — but there is a reason why for the 1st time in his career he did not make the pro bowl last year — even with the biggest cornerback name in the league. In his 9th season, his play declined. He is more likely to decline like Patrick Peterson did. Can be a piece of a team. But not a 25 million dollar piece.
Horrible take.
May 23rd, 2025 at 3:42 pm
Ronde is a bit partial to short, 3rd round corners.
I kid, I kid, I love Ronde and trust his instincts on defensive players, in particular corners. I’d love if he’s right – because I have a ton of confidence in Morrison, and if Parrish is better, it should mean the Bucs had a homerun of a draft.