The Hidden Gem
August 1st, 2013
Bucs rookie corner Rashaan Melvin may be the hidden gem of training camp.
In every NFL training camp, there is a player that often flies under the radar of fans but excites the organization. For the Bucs, that may just be cornerback Rashaan Melvin.
A product of Northern Illinois, Melvin wasn’t invited to the combine and wasn’t drafted, despite his often-drool-inducing measurable, 6-2, 190 with a long reach.
Joe started hearing whispers from Bucs suits that Melvin was a guy Joe should monitor. The whispers grew louder as training camp approached. At a position of need which has already seen a fair degree of upheaval on the Bucs’ roster, Melvin may also be part of that come September, though it’s still a long way to go before the final 53 man roster is chosen.
Melvin seems to believe his less than high profile image has been good for his development.
“At the end of the day I still have to play ball,” Melvin said. “Not everybody gets invited to the combine and I used that to get extra, extra ready for my Pro Day, and I think it worked out the best for me.”
Melvin came into camp with an attitude that coaches love.
“My expectations was to come in and learn,” Melvin said. “Obviously Darrelle Revis was here. The cornerback staff was here already. Come in and learn what they have and learn. It has worked out for me for the better.”
What Melvin said he has learned from Revis is “press technique. He is a man-cover guy. Just being patient at the line and being consistent and understand the release.”
He also remarked how being a professional player allows him more time to study the game.
In what may be a display of confidence from Bucs coaches, Melvin has played a fair share of snaps with the first- and second-team defenses, facing the first-team and second-team offenses.
“That really has allowed me to showcase my talent,” Melvin said.
As far as any peculiar rules Bucs coach Greg Schiano may have, Melvin just smiled.
“I don’t think [any] of the rules are strange.”
August 1st, 2013 at 10:22 am
In a recent interview Freeman commented on how good a couple of rookies were in the secondary….He said….”Banks & #28″…….#28 is Melvin……
I also think we will get great production out of last year’s undrafted free agent, Leonard Johnson.
August 1st, 2013 at 10:31 am
That’s one thing Dom has proved adept at. Finding undrafted gems. Like Johnson last year, I think Melvin will struggle at times, but I think both guys will develop into pretty solid players in the near future
August 1st, 2013 at 10:37 am
I wish we could get a definitive answer on how many DB’s we will keep on the 53 man roster? Knowing how many DBs gives us a better ideal on who’ll probably stay and who’s riding the bubble. You can’t say the same as last year because us keeping three QBs changes all that now. At least it looks like Melvin over Lewis, but I’m not sure if there’s enough room for Melvin. Not with Revis, Banks, Johnson, Gorrer already pretty much locked in. No matter how you slice it, there will be some good players left on the outside looking in.
August 1st, 2013 at 11:10 am
I think you have to keep this guy around. Physically he’s got the gifts, give him a year with Revis and Goldson mentoring him in the secondary and he could turn into a key piece going forward.
August 1st, 2013 at 11:55 am
@Buc’n Junkie
What makes you so sure Gorrer is a lock to make the team? I’m just curious because he is undrafted, signed for very little and hasent shown all that much. I think only ones that are a lock are Revis, Banks and LJ. Im thinking they go with 5 CBs which would leave 2 spots for the rest to fight it out for. Melvin will probably be one of the 2.
Only thing I’m praying for is that “he who shall not be named” does not make the roster.
August 1st, 2013 at 11:55 am
Off topic : our entire team is flying under the radar, which is fine by me. After MY Bucs go 3-0 and beat N.O. and N.E. @ N.E. they will be noticed. It will be time to stand up and recognize!
August 1st, 2013 at 12:31 pm
For whatever reason that picture is kind of funny to me.
6-2. The guy has the size. Would be nice to see him stick.
August 1st, 2013 at 1:23 pm
@Buc1987, I agree. Nobody nationally is expecting much from the Bucs. No pressure, just go out and take care of the Jets week 1 & go from there.
August 1st, 2013 at 5:00 pm
Seen this guy running with the ones today at camp. I was wondering who the big guy was on the field! He looked decent out there. Adams is hilariously tiny as well.