Tampa Bay’s coaching staff high-lighted the elite versatility of Jacob Parrish while praising rookies Josiah Trotter and Keionte Scott for their relentless work ethic and high-impact potential.
Following Tuesday’s OTAs, several members of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ support staff spoke to the media, shouting out the team’s new additions and growing returners for the impact they could have on the defense.
Cornerbacks coach Rashad Johnson had strong praise for second-year cornerback Jacob Parrish, who took snaps at linebacker, safety, corner and nickel in his rookie campaign.
"Jacob's skill set is elite," Johnson said. "He's a guy that can play inside. He's a guy that can play outside. He's very versatile. He's very talkative in the room, and out on the field. He just loves the game."
Last season, Parrish appeared in all 17 games, accumulating 76 total tackles, two interceptions, seven passes defensed, seven tackles for loss, three quarterback hits and two sacks.
In Tampa's blitz-heavy scheme, Parrish's mobility makes him a weapon for Todd Bowles to utilize in multiple different positions and packages.
Miami defensive back Keionte Scott, the Bucs' fourth-round selection in this year's draft, also fits this mold, with Johnson applauding the rookie's work ethic and willingness to work.
According to Johnson, Scott has been "fully engaged," getting his hands on the playbook as early as possible and setting his career off on the right foot.
Scott, who is a strong tackler, should help safeties coach Tim Atkins with his main goal, which is consistent wrap ups and pursuit.
Atkins, who also spoke to media on Tuesday, kept it simple, saying he is preaching consistency and a "swarming" mentality in tackling.
En route to a National Championship berth, Scott 64 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and five sacks, earning Second-team All-ACC honors.
Scott's 13 tackles for loss jump off the stat sheet, especially for his position, as he frequently found ways into the defensive backfield, even when starting from the second level.
He is joined by the Bucs' second-round pick, Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter, who inside linebackers coach Mike Caldwell says has "no ceiling."
"When you understand the talent that he has, the ceiling is high," Caldwell said. "There is no ceiling for him right now."
Linebacker and defensive end were major needs for the Buccaneers entering this past draft, quickly addressing both positions through their first two selections.
Trotter, the latter pick, was a First-team All-SEC performer with the Tigers, securing 84 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and two sacks.
CBS Sports reporter Mike Renner loved Trotter's fit in Tampa, giving the Bucs an A-grade for drafting Trotter.
"I love the Bucs draft so far," Renner said. "To me, he's built to play for Todd Bowles' defense."
With the comments from Bucs staff anf focus shown by the rookies, Tampa's draft class continues to look like one of the best in the league.
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