During his 2025 rookie campaign, cornerback Jacob Parrish took ownership of the Buccaneers' nickel role. He was lined up in the box/slot on 615 snaps and was used interchangeably on the outside, playing 127 snaps out wide. Parrish, who was drafted in the third round (84 overall) of the 2025 draft, quickly entrusted himself to the coaching staff and made an impact on the field.
The twitchy athlete solidified the Bucs' secondary last season with his position flexibility. Parrish accumulated two interceptions, seven passes defensed, two sacks, 76 combined tackles, seven tackles for loss and three quarterback hits in 2025. He possesses hip fluidity to stay with vertical threats and quick footwork in transition to close on the football. Parrish's speed is evident on the field, along with his change-of-direction prowess. He has a knack for the football and utilizes a variety of techniques to interrupt releases. Parrish posted an interception in the club's Week 18 matchup with the Panthers, which he attributed to his film study.
"It was a cut-split and how he (Tetairoa McMillan) came off the ball, he was jogging, so I kind of saw it on film too, so I jumped the route and made a play on the ball," described Parrish.
For Kansas State, Parrish led the program in interceptions and passes defensed in 2023 and 2024, while lining up as both the left cornerback and nickel on third-down packages inside. He brought his compete skills to Tampa Bay and carved out a full-time role in his rookie season. In 2026, Parrish will once again cross-train at both outside and inside corner to maximize his skillset.
