Undrafted rookie Ayden Garnes is surging up the depth chart, stifling veteran starters and flashing elite athleticism to bolster a Tampa Bay secondary hungry for reliable depth.
Coach Todd Bowles hasn't crowned a backup cornerback throughout the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' training camp, but rookie Ayden Garnes has made a strong case to win the role.
Bowles said the staff is aware of his athleticism and coverage skills. He's grown rapidly with more reps, gaining more confidence and playing faster.
Garnes matched up against wide receiver Emeka Egbuka during Friday morning's practice and broke up a pass thrown by quarterback Baker Mayfield. It was an impressive stop against the starting offense for the undrafted rookie.
He's grabbed a few interceptions throughout camp, too. Garnes intercepted fellow rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels on Tuesday, and caught another against Mayfield in one-on-one drills on Monday.
The camp standout said his interception on Monday doesn't count toward team stats, but he's approaching every rep seriously, like it will happen in games if he receives playing time.
"Obviously, that could be a regular one-on-one rep," Garnes told Pewter Report. "Three-by-one away, I'm by myself, and that could actually happen."
That mindset, and his performance, have seemingly shot him up the depth chart despite going undrafted.
He signed an undrafted free-agent contract with Tampa Bay on April 25. One month later, Garnes signed a three-year $3.12 million contract.
The former Arizona Wildcat had a career year in his final collegiate season. He recorded 43 tackles, eight pass deflections and one interception.
Garnes recorded his most deflections against then-No. 25 Cincinnati on Nov. 15. The 6-foot cornerback broke up two passes from quarterback Brendan Sorsby.
He wasn't invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, but posted numbers that would rank him at the top of his position's leaderboard at Arizona pro day. A 4.37-second 40-yard dash would rank second, a 10' 9" broad jump would tie for eighth, a 7.00 3-cone would tie for first, and a 4.10 shuttle time would be the best among all cornerbacks.
Testing numbers aren't proper indicators of a player's on-field potential, but they suggest Tampa Bay got an undrafted steal. Garnes has lived up to that suggestion and continues to make good plays against veteran talent.
The Buccaneers' secondary needs all the help it can get after finishing 27th in passing yards allowed (238.2). Zyon McCollum, Jacob Parrish and Benjamin Morrison are likely to headline the starting unit.
Morrison was one Buccaneer that ESPN reporter Jenna Laine listed as one of three players to watch during camp. He's dealt with multiple injuries over his career and has to prove he can stay healthy.
Garnes can provide Tampa Bay with much-needed depth, which is impressive for an undrafted rookie. While he's impressed in camp, the real challenge begins next week when the Buccaneers hold a joint practice with the New York Jets.
