Buccaneers UDFA is playing his way onto the roster after preseason debut

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have found a preseason standout in undrafted rookie cornerback Roman Parodie.

Parodie, who is currently listed as the final cornerback on the team’s depth chart, made the most of his limited opportunity in Saturday’s 29-7 win over the Tennessee Titans. 

According to Pro Football Focus, he played just 25 snaps — 16 on defense and nine on special teams — but earned a 90.0 overall grade, the highest mark of any Bucs defender and second-highest on the roster behind tight end Ko Kieft.

Of his 16 defensive reps, Parodie played 15 snaps at outside cornerback and one snap in the slot.

Parodie’s signature moment came late in the fourth quarter, when he intercepted Titans quarterback Tim Boyle and returned it for a touchdown to put a bow on the victory with under two minutes remaining. He also finished with two total tackles.

Before signing with Tampa Bay this offseason, Parodie enjoyed an impressive college career at the University of Ohio, recording 124 total tackles, three interceptions and 28 passes defended. 

Despite his strong performance in the preseason opener, making the 53-man roster will be a challenge.

Last season, Tampa Bay carried only five cornerbacks, and with Jamel Dean, Zyon McCollum, Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish locked into spots, Parodie is battling veterans Bryce Hall, Kindle Vildor, Josh Hayes and Tyrek Funderburk for the final job.

While his performance might not be enough to earn a roster spot outright, the rookie has positioned himself as a strong candidate for the practice squad. 

Parodie will be a player to keep an eye on through the rest of the preseason as he seeks to put on a performance that the coaching staff simply can’t ignore when making final roster decisions.

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