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The Bucs reworked their depth at a lot of positions on the defensive facet of the ball this offseason, but when there’s one spot the place they’re nonetheless frighteningly skinny, it’s at cornerback.
Even coming off a down yr in 2025, Zyon McCollum is Tampa Bay’s No. 1 cornerback. He’s probably the most skilled veteran within the group, and he’s being paid like he’s the No. 1. On the opposite facet, the Bucs have a contest going between two second-year gamers, although one continues to be not totally again from his newest harm and the opposite has been restricted within the final couple of practices as a consequence of some lingering soreness. The latter – Jacob Parrish – missed the group intervals Sunday and Monday earlier than returning Tuesday night time.
The previous – Benjamin Morrison – picked up one other hamstring harm in the course of the offseason exercises, missed mini-camp and was held out for the beginning of coaching camp. He’s slowly making his manner again, however so far, he’s solely participated in particular person drills.
Bucs CB Benjamin Morrison – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
So actually, the Bucs’ depth at cornerback is already being examined throughout camp. If something, the primary week of practices has made the necessity for an additional veteran cornerback much more obvious. Whether or not meaning signing somebody proper now or ready to scour the post-preseason roster cutdown lists on the finish of this month, Tampa Bay might actually used one other skilled nook.
However for now, all eyes are on a pair of unproven and unsung cornerbacks who’re seeing elevated reps with Morrison and (to a lesser extent) Parrish sidelined.
Pepe Williams Is Catching The Bucs’ Consideration Early In Camp
Of the 2 unsung cornerbacks vying for spots on the Bucs’ 53-man roster, rookie Ayden Garnes most likely will get the sting at this stage in camp. The previous Arizona Wildcat emerged as a sleeper candidate to crack the ultimate roster comparatively rapidly in camp, and he’s solely continued to shine with one other spectacular apply Thursday morning.
However don’t depend out Damarion “Pepe” Williams, who spent a lot of the 2025 season on Tampa Bay’s apply squad and is now seeing an entire lot of alternatives in coaching camp. Initially a fourth-round choose by the Ravens within the 2022 NFL Draft out of Houston, Williams spent a few years in Baltimore earlier than being waived in August of 2024.
Bucs CB Pepe Williams – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
From there, the 5-foot-10, 183-pound cornerback spent 2024 on the Seahawks’ apply squad earlier than finally being minimize by the eventual Tremendous Bowl champions final August. A month later, he was a Buccaneer.
In his profession, Williams has performed in 15 video games with zero begins. He had 24 tackles (15 solo), a sort out for loss and two passes defensed in 14 video games as a rookie with the Ravens, although he allowed 25 catches on 36 targets (69.4%) for 290 yards (11.6 avg.) and three touchdowns. He has performed in only one sport since.
Regardless of that, the Bucs’ present state of affairs at cornerback has given Williams an opportunity at redemption. And so far in camp, he has taken benefit of it. After dropping Jalen McMillan on a deep route early on in camp, the 28-year-old nook obtained his revenge a pair days later. With Baker Mayfield wanting deep for McMillan once more, Williams was there to make a leaping go breakup. Later in that very same apply, he got here up with one other go breakup deep in protection on Emeka Egbuka.
In Tampa Bay’s apply on Thursday, Williams got here in on a nook blitz and obtained to Jake Browning for a would-be sack.
Bucs CB Pepe Williams had a would-be sack of Jake Browning on a blitz
It looks as if the previous Houston Cougar’s confidence is rising with every day, and Bucs head coach Todd Bowles has seen.
“He’s been playing well all camp. It’s really good to see him in pads,” Bowles stated after the primary padded apply Monday morning. “He’s shown up, and he’s done all the little things. Obviously, from last year being on the practice squad, he’s stepping up and making a serious push to try to make this team. It’s very early, but we’ve noticed him.”
Bucs CBs Ayden Garnes, Jacob Parrish, Benjamin Morrison, Josh Hayes, Keionte Scott and Demarion Williams – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
Williams could have entered camp as a longshot to make the 53-man roster. So, he’ll must do each little factor proper with the intention to make his case by the tip of August. Meaning stacking good days on good days, contributing on particular groups, exhibiting up within the joint practices with the Jets and Jaguars and placing all of it collectively beneath the lights in the course of the preseason.
As Bowles stated, it’s early. However because the preseason approaches, Pepe Williams’ title is one to know at cornerback.
