UDFA CB Parnell Motley could play a key role for the Buccaneers in secondary

Typically, a First Team All-Big 12 cornerback would be selected at some point in the NFL Draft. However, for former Oklahoma cornerback Parnell Motley, that was not the case.

The Buccaneers secondary is already young as it is, however Motley is a talent that could help improve this unit even more. The Bucs just cut their 2018 second-round draft pick, cornerback M.J Stewart. This adds even more room for Motley. I believe if he learns from Carlton Davis and Sean Murphy-Bunting while playing behind them, he can become a starting cornerback for the Bucs in the future. Some people might think that is extraordinary, however if you watch Motley’s film, you will see the talent that the guy has and how he can be a project.

The 6-foot, 180 pound prospect started in 34 games while at Oklahoma. Although he lacks some size, he ultimately makes up for it with his aggression and playmaking skills. As a junior, Motley was named All-Big 12 Honorable Mention and First Team All-Big 12 as a senior. In his senior year, Motley registered 41 tackles, 13 pass breakups, five forced fumbles, one interception and a fumble recovery.

Something else that is impressive about Motley’s success was the competition that he was playing against. Motley lined up against guys like Jalen Reagor (1st round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles), Demetrius Mims (2nd round pick of the New York Jets), and Collin Johnson (5th round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars). Motley had lots of success against all of these receivers.

Something that was remarkable about Motley’s senior season was his completion rate. Motley allowed a 43.4% completion rate in coverage which was the lowest rate in the Big 12.

It will be interesting to see how things play out once training camp wraps up. With the Bucs cutting M.J. Stewart, it seems likely that Motley will make the 55-man roster if he shows well at camp.