Jason Licht Slaps “Phenomenal” Label On A Cornerback
August 7th, 2025
Today’s admission by Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht didn’t surprise Joe, or probably anyone else who has been a regular at training camp.
Licht hopped on SiriusXM NFL Radio and was asked about second-year defensive back Tykee Smith moving from nickel cornerback to safety. The GM said it’s been a smooth transition, called Smith and Antoine Winfield a “dynamic duo” and spoke to how the Bucs will replace Smith.
Then Licht told co-host and former Bucs scout Pat Kirwan that the Bucs have options at nickel because they have 2023 nickel Christian Izien available (the guy Smith replaced) and a rookie third-round that has important people at Bucs headquarters smiling.
“We’ve got Jacob Parrish who’s been phenomenal at that position,” Licht said.
Whoa! Licht just dropped a nice “P” word on Parrish, who looks like the fastest player in the Bucs secondary and the guy with the best hands.
As Joe has written, if Licht nails two of his first three draft picks this year, receiver Emeka Egbuka (Round 1) and cornerbacks Parrish (Round 3) and Benjamin Morrison (Round 2), then this Bucs team should get signficantly better.
So far, Egbuka defnitely look the part of hit-the-ground-running rookies. Morrison is out nursing a hamstring injury.
August 7th, 2025 at 4:59 pm
Minor typo correction for Joe, Egbuka was 1st round pick, not 2nd.
August 7th, 2025 at 5:01 pm
Who’d the Bucs draft in the 1st Round? I hope he’s as good as our 2nd round pick, Edbuka.
August 7th, 2025 at 5:07 pm
The guy with the best hands who dropped 3 INTs yesterday. I understand why Bowles says we need more picks. They’re there for the taking.
August 7th, 2025 at 5:08 pm
Correct me if I’m wrong but I think 9 of our Offensive starters are draft picks & 10 of our defensive starters are draft picks…..that’s 19 of 22….that has to be the best in the league.
August 7th, 2025 at 5:32 pm
Zyon is looking for a big payday. The Bucs will give him every opportunity like they did JTS. Both he, and Dean need to create turnovers. We now have two rookie corners who are chomping at the bit to do just that.
August 7th, 2025 at 6:00 pm
I wrote on this website after Parrish was drafted, he would be an impact player. Games still need to be played, but Parrish is definitely trending in the right direction. The dude is glue! I really think our defensive backfield has the potential to be special.
August 7th, 2025 at 6:07 pm
I’m wondering about Josh Hayes
I know he’s low on the CB depth chart
But he’s still “by far” our best special team player
I hope we can keep him, the guy is all hustle
August 7th, 2025 at 10:45 pm
Lakeland Buc
I’m with you man.
Hayes is a great gunner.
I hope he can stay as our #7 CB.
But I also think the NFL can afford to expand the game day roster to 60 men.
And 22 on the practice squad. Enough for a scout offense and scout defense.
God knows the NFL can afford to employ more Americans.
Go Bucs!