Former Auburn cornerback [autotag]Carlton Davis[/autotag] is making the most of his time in the NFL.
Since being drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the No. 63 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, he has started in 63 games and has made 272 total tackles. He was also an integral piece to Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl LV win in 2020 by making four interceptions and 68 total tackles that season.
The headline this season with the Bucs is the departure of Tom Brady, who retired from the NFL after 23 seasons. Because of this, the franchise has taken its fair share of criticism and is expected to not perform up to the level of the Brady-era seasons.
Davis is having none of that.
In a recent press conference, Davis was asked about life outside of Brady, and what it means for his team to fly under the radar as opposed to being in the spotlight for the last three seasons. He says that he welcomes the low expectations that are being delivered.
“Obviously, people are underrating us, but I think that’s a good thing because when we punch you in the mouth, it’ll be, ‘Ah, man, OK. It’s the same team, same culture,’ Davis said. “I think it’s a great opportunity for guys, like everybody, not even just myself, everybody to prove ourselves and show how great of players individually we are and how we can come together as a team and still have that same culture and winning mentality.”
The Buccanneers are losing several other players from last season’s roster, which paves the way for someone as experienced as Davis to become a mentor to the new additions.
“It’s a blessing to be able to be an old guy in this league,” Davis said. “I just want to do my part in teaching the young guys and catching them up to speed.”
Davis returns to Tampa Bay for his sixth season and will team up with fellow former Auburn defensive back [autotag]Jamel Dean[/autotag] for the fifth season in a row as opposite corners.
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