Rookie cornerback Jacob Parrish.
How much of a Bucs insider is Rondé Barber? Joe has shared countless examples. But consider that on his [WFLA-TV show](https://wfla.com) this week, Barber noted how he watched the film of Bucs rookie minicamp because he couldn’t attend it.
That’s an insider to the extreme.
So what did the Hall of Fame cornerback see? Barber says he watched an impressive rookie crop that looks ready to compete.
Many rookies are not ready to compete against veterans in spring practice or training camp, per Barber. He claims he was one of them, which led to a slow start to Barber’s historic career.
Barber was asked on the show to name the Bucs rookies most vital to the team’s success. While rookie edge rusher David Walker grabbed Barber’s No. 1 spot (a somewhat intriguing and sad commentary), next was rookie cornerback Jacob Parrish, the third-round pick.
“He’s atypical of every other Bucs corner on the roster, which I love.” Barber said, noting Parrish’s 5-10 height and elite speed.
> “I like his tape and because he’s not coming off an injury, I think he’s the more immediate contributor, if you ask me,” Barber said when comparing Parrish to second-round pick cornerback Benjamin Morrison.
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> “The one thing that differentiates this kid from some other smaller DBs is his ability to tackle. He’s not only willing, but an effective tackler, especially in the open field.
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> “I heard somebody describe him as ‘short but not small.’ That’s a perfect description for this guy because he’s a great open field tackler. Like he’s not scared to put his chest on people and bring bit people to the ground. And I feel like his confidence, you know, not only playing in pass coverage but in run defense, I think makes this guy one of our really, really impactful early rookies.”
Barber also likes how Parrish played outside and inside at Kansas State, whereas Morrison was more exclusively an outside corner.
Joe loves how it’s going to be a heck of a fun competition at all three cornerback positions this spring and summer.