Assessing Buccaneers’ 2018 Rookie Class: A mixed bag
By Ryan Doyle
![TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 21: Ronald Jones #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after scoring in the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns on October 21, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Bucs won 26-23. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 21: Ronald Jones #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after scoring in the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns on October 21, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Bucs won 26-23. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/fc05ee0452ad2c764cea36b68602d26a48a3be2a8820ed51a665a23745314d67.jpg)
CB Carlton Davis (Rd. 2, Pick 63)
Thrown into the fire immediately, Carlton Davis was the Bucs starting outside cornerback from the first snap of 2018.
Davis had his issues in coverage throughout the season, looking lost in Mike Smith‘s disaster of a defensive scheme. But like Vea, Davis found some traction as the season went on. He wasn’t able to lock his man up every week, but he did show flashes of ball skills.
He started in 12 games last year and received valuable reps that should help him down the road. By no means should he be Tampa’s number one corner next season, but the Buccaneers should be confident that he can be the number two corner in 2019.
It doesn’t seem like Davis had a great veteran to learn from either. Brent Grimes seemed disinterested all season long and his comments to JoeBucsFan.com back that up.
Hopefully, Tampa Bay can get both Davis and M.J. Stewart a proper teacher. It could be the difference for the young defensive backs.