The Bucs have another cornerback coming to Tampa Bay for a Top 30 pre-draft visit. Kansas State cornerback Jacob Parrish is on the team’s radar and will be the second cornerback to visit head coach Todd Bowles and the Bucs this offseason. Oregon’s Nikko Reed, who is viewed as a Day 3 prospect, is the other cornerback set to visit Tampa Bay prior to the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Draft Network’s Justin Melo broke the news on his X account.
Parrish, who was a three-year starter for the Wildcats since his freshman season, is known for his toughness in coverage and his tackling ability. He played with Tampa Bay cornerback Josh Hayes at K-State during the 2022 season.
Parrish, Reed and South Carolina inside linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. are the three known draft prospects who have been invited to Tampa Bay for Top 30 visits so far.
Jacob Parrish Could Play Nickel Cornerback For The Bucs
Kansas State Cb Jacob Parrish Bucs
Kansas State CB Jacob Parrish – Photo by: USA Today
At 5-foot-10, 191 pounds, Jacob Parrish is not a great fit outside for Tampa Bay, as head coach Todd Bowles prefers taller cornerbacks with length on the perimeter. But Parrish, who was a Senior Bowl participant, has the ideal toughness and quickness to transition inside to play nickel cornerback in the slot.
The Olathe, Kansas native played 470 snaps at outside cornerback for the Wildcats last year, but did see 91 snaps in the slot and 44 more in the box, according to Pro Football Focus. Parrish had 202 career snaps at nickel cornerback in his three years at K-State.
Parrish blazed an eye-opening 4.35 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine where he also posted a 37.5-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot, 9-inch broad jump. To Pewter Report’s knowledge, Parrish did not have an interview with the Bucs at the Combine.
Parrish totaled 94 tackles, 16 pass breakups, and five interceptions over his final two seasons with the Wildcats, including four in 2023 during his sophomore season. He had one interception last season along with seven pass breakups. According to Pro Football Focus, Parrish has only surrendered four touchdowns in college with two coming in each of the past two seasons.
With Tykee Smith possibly moving from nickel cornerback to strong safety this season to replace Jordan Whitehead, the team has a potential opening for a slot defender in 2025. Christian Izien started every game in the slot during his rookie season in 2023 and is penciled in as the starter there for now.