Buccaneers training camp 2016: Alterraun Verner shines on day one

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers held their first training camp practice of 2016 today, and Alterraun Verner was a standout performer. The cornerback has had two disappointing seasons, but with a new scheme and a new defensive backs coach he’s looking to get back into Pro Bowl form.

“Going through the last two years and doing something that was very uncommon to me – not backpedalling – and doing something that most cornerbacks don’t do,” Verner told Pewter Report. “Going back to what I used to play, there was a doubt that lingered slightly. Will I be able to adjust back to backpedalling?”

So far, so good. On the first day, Verner had two near-interceptions off Jameis Winston, and showed off the burst and reactions that got him to a Pro Bowl two years ago. He’s been a starting cornerback this entire offseason, and it looks like that will stick into the regular season.

With Verner back to form and the new additions of Brent Grimes and rookie Vernon Hargreaves, the Bucs should have a newly transformed secondary this year — and that, in turn, should mean a big improvement on defense.