RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Damarion Williams is making sure the Tampa Bay Buccaneers don't overlook him. With opportunities opening up in the secondary during joint practices with the New York Jets, Williams has taken advantage of increased reps with the starting group. That effort paid off Tuesday when he intercepted Jets quarterback Geno Smith, giving the veteran defensive back one of the biggest plays of the practice.
For a player competing for a role in a crowded Buccaneers secondary, it was exactly the kind of opportunity he needed. Williams has spent the early part of his career fighting for consistency after the Baltimore Ravens selected him in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. After stops with Baltimore and Seattle, he now finds himself in Tampa Bay looking to establish himself as a dependable piece of Todd Bowles' defense. The interception against Smith is particularly encouraging given the situation.
Joint practices let players compete against another team's top talent, and Williams did so while working with Tampa Bay's starting group. Creating a takeaway against a veteran quarterback like Smith shows the coaching staff that Williams can be trusted when the competition gets tougher.
That's especially important in a Buccaneers cornerback room filled with young talent. Jacob Parrish and Ayden Garnes have all received attention throughout training camp, while other defensive backs are battling for roster spots and playing time. Williams brings something valuable to that competition: NFL experience. One interception won't determine Williams' roster status, but it's another important step for a player trying to make himself impossible to overlook.
Every rep with the first team matters, and making a play on the football against Smith only strengthens his case for a role in Tampa Bay's secondary. The Buccaneers need depth at cornerback, and Bowles needs players he can trust to execute their assignments without being afraid to make plays. If he can continue taking advantage of opportunities like this throughout the preseason, Williams could quickly go from an under-the-radar name to a legitimate part of Tampa Bay's defensive plans.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Former Ravens CB making plays in camp with the Bucs
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