Directly following the 2020 NFL Draft, it took all of fifteen minutes for Motley’s post-draft status to upgrade from undrafted free agent to newly-signed Tampa Bay Buccaneer. Since arriving in Tampa, he’s kept that promptness, both on the field and off of it.
Besides turning heads with his quick feet, Motley is also speeding toward a potential roster spot with his new team. Should he earn one, according to head coach Bruce Arians, it will be on special teams, at least for the time being.
“He’s had a great camp as a DB, for him to get in that lineup it’s gonna have to be on [special teams], and he’s working his tail off finding his spot on STs,” Arians said. “But he’s shown a lot of promise as a CB, he’s got really good hands, he’s not dropping any INTs.”
Motley intercepted QB Tom Brady during the team’s first padded practice last monday.
Parnell Motley with an interception off Tom Brady on an out-route along the right sideline. First pick of the day. First pick in pads.
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) August 17, 2020
Motley shined during his senior year at OU, holding seven of his 15 matchups to zero catches. Despite a strong campaign, he was not invited to the NFL Draft combine, seemingly sealing his fate as an undrafted free agent.
Parnell Motley shut down every single receiver he matched up with last season.
He held 7 of his 15 matchups (inlcuding Jalen Reagor, Denzel Mims, and Biletnikoff winner Ja’Marr Chase) to 0 catches.
Motley’s lockdown season visualized: pic.twitter.com/g0V9ftb0KD
— Steven Plaisance II (@stevenplai) April 13, 2020
Nonetheless, Motley is making the most of his time in Tampa, and it appears that his hard work is paying off.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1370]