Rookie Carlton Davis talks to Joe after practice today

Yes, you read about the impressive cornerback play of 35-year-old Brent Grimes in practice this morning.

But it’s more than just good coverage here and a pick of DeSean Jackson there — and the return of a critical piece of the Bucs defense.

Grimes is needed to fully cultivate the rookie talent at cornerback. Carlton Davis weighed in on that today, Grimes’ second day back.

“He’s a great role model, somebody you can really follow after. He’ll lead by example and just watching him and his technique is amazing. It’s truly a learning experience just to watch him every play,” Davis said. “It’s something you watch more in film. You’re impressed with what he’s doing watching it live, but you really can’t see everything that he’s doing and appreciate it until you get in the film room. I’m looking forward to even more to learn from him now that he’s back.”

Grimes threw back some love after practice at Davis. “He’s a long-arm cornerback that can really get his hands on people really well at the line, and that’s one of his strengths. He’s shown that a lot at camp.”

That was very interesting to Joe considering we know via Ronde Barber that “Mike Smith loves having his corners in off position.” Grimes emphasized that off coverage is more complex and requires lots of discipline from a cornerback, especially when it comes to eyes.

Overall Grimes was very upbeat about the Bucs this season. He likes what he’s seeing every day.

And Grimes cautioned not to peg him as a guy who likes to work with young players. He said he loves working with people of all ages and he likes to ask questions as much as to take them.