Can Jacob Parrish overcome his size to be successful at outside CB?

Size has long been one of the first traits NFL evaluators look at when projecting outside cornerbacks. At 5'9, Jacob Parrish doesn't fit the traditional mold, yet the Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear willing to give him every opportunity to prove he can.

>According to reports heading into training camp, Parrish is expected to compete with Benjamin Morrison for the starting outside cornerback job opposite Zyon McCollum. This comes after drafting Miami Hurricane nickel corner Keionte Scott in the 4th round. If he wins the job, he'll be tasked with proving that instincts, athleticism, and competitiveness can outweigh a lack of size.

>Outside cornerbacks regularly line up against receivers standing 6'2" or taller, making contested catches and jump balls one of the biggest concerns for shorter defensive backs. Bigger receivers can use their frame to shield defenders, particularly in the red zone and along the sideline.

>However, Parrish has traits that could help offset that disadvantage. His speed allows him to stay in phase with receivers vertically, while his footwork and change of direction help him mirror routes at all three levels of the field. He also plays with far more physicality than his frame would suggest, refusing to shy away from contact despite giving up size to most opponents, as we saw against 6'4 Tetairoa McMillan, where he battled the towering WR on multiple plays and was able to deflect passes despite being half a foot shorter.

>The Buccaneers may also believe their defensive philosophy plays to Parrish's strengths. Todd Bowles asks his cornerbacks to be aggressive, challenge receivers at the line of scrimmage, and trust their athletic ability in man coverage. Parrish has shown throughout his career that confidence has never been an issue. His competition won't be easy, however. Benjamin Morrison entered the league with the profile of a prototypical outside corner and possesses the length many teams covet at the position.

>If Morrison is fully healthy after battling injuries, his size and ball skills make him a strong candidate to earn the starting role.

>Training camp should provide plenty of answers, but Parrish's presence in the competition says a lot about how Tampa Bay views him. The Buccaneers clearly believe his athleticism, instincts, and competitive nature give him a legitimate chance to overcome the height concerns that followed him into the NFL.

>This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Can Jacob Parrish overcome his size to be successful at outside CB?