Carlton Davis has quietly built a reputation as one of the NFL’s most reliable and physical cornerbacks. Since being drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Davis has established himself as a cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ defense. His size, strength, and ability to match up against elite receivers have made him a key part of Tampa Bay’s success over the years.
Davis played a pivotal role in the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV victory, where his coverage helped shut down some of the league’s most dangerous passing attacks. Now, heading into the 2025 season, Davis remains a leader in the Buccaneers’ secondary, tasked with maintaining the high defensive standards that have defined the franchise in recent years.
As the Buccaneers look to contend in the NFC once again, Davis’ ability to lock down opposing receivers will be critical. His blend of physicality, length, and football IQ makes him one of the most difficult matchups for wide receivers across the league.
Carlton Davis’ Journey to the NFL
Davis’ path to NFL stardom began in Miami, Florida, where he was a standout high school athlete. He played both football and basketball at Norland High School, where his athleticism and competitive nature set him apart.
Davis committed to Auburn University and quickly emerged as one of the best defensive backs in the SEC. As a freshman, Davis earned a starting spot and made an immediate impact with his physical play and ability to break up passes.
Over three seasons at Auburn, Davis recorded 138 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 32 pass breakups. He was known for his ability to press receivers at the line of scrimmage and his willingness to get involved in run support — traits that would make him an appealing target for NFL teams.
Heading into the 2018 NFL Draft, Davis was seen as a physical corner with elite size (6’1″, 206 lbs) and length, but scouts questioned his ability to keep up with faster receivers. The Buccaneers, however, saw Davis’ potential as a true shutdown corner and selected him with the 63rd overall pick in the second round.
Early NFL Struggles and Growth
Davis’ rookie season in 2018 was a learning experience. He started 12 games and finished with 40 tackles and 4 passes defended, but opposing quarterbacks tested him frequently. His physical style led to several penalties for pass interference and holding.
However, Davis showed flashes of the cornerback he would become. His physicality at the line of scrimmage and his ability to challenge receivers in contested situations were clear strengths.
In 2019, Davis began to turn the corner under defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. He started 14 games, recording 60 tackles and 19 passes defended — the second-highest total in the NFL that season. His ability to stick with receivers in man coverage and break up passes made him a reliable starter in the Buccaneers’ secondary.
“He’s got all the tools,” Bowles said after the 2019 season. “He’s long, physical, and fearless. That’s exactly what you want in a corner.”
Breakout Year and Super Bowl Success
The 2020 season was Davis’ true breakout campaign. He started 14 games and recorded a career-high 4 interceptions and 18 passes defended. More importantly, Davis consistently matched up against the opposing team’s No. 1 receiver and held his own against some of the best pass catchers in the league.
Davis’ defining moment came in the 2020 NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers. He was tasked with covering Davante Adams, one of the league’s premier receivers. While Adams still managed to score a touchdown, Davis’ physical play at the line of scrimmage and his ability to limit big plays helped the Buccaneers secure a spot in the Super Bowl.
In Super Bowl LV against the Kansas City Chiefs, Davis was part of the Buccaneers’ suffocating defensive effort that held Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense without a touchdown. Davis played a key role in covering Tyreek Hill, helping to limit Hill to just 73 yards — a major improvement from Hill’s 269-yard explosion against the Buccaneers in the regular season.
“I knew I had to be aggressive,” Davis said after the game. “We couldn’t let them get comfortable. We played with an edge, and it paid off.”
Consistent Performance in the Following Seasons
Davis’ performance in the Super Bowl solidified his reputation as one of the league’s top corners. He followed up with strong seasons in 2021 and 2022, despite dealing with injuries.
In 2021, Davis played in 10 games due to a quad injury but still managed to record 39 tackles, 11 passes defended, and 1 interception. The Buccaneers ranked among the league’s top pass defenses with Davis leading the way.
In 2022, Davis started 13 games and recorded 65 tackles and 12 passes defended. His physical coverage style and ability to disrupt routes remained a strength, even as the Buccaneers’ defense struggled with injuries and inconsistency in other areas.
The Buccaneers rewarded Davis with a three-year, $45 million contract extension in March 2023, ensuring that he would remain a cornerstone of their defense for the foreseeable future.
What Makes Davis Elite?
Davis’ success as a top-tier cornerback is rooted in several key traits:
✅ Length and Physicality
At 6’1″, Davis has the size and arm length to challenge receivers at the line of scrimmage. His ability to press and redirect routes throws off the timing of passing plays.
✅ Instincts and Ball Skills
Davis has a knack for recognizing route concepts and breaking on the ball. His 60 career pass breakups reflect his ability to disrupt passing plays.
✅ Tackling and Run Support
Davis is one of the most physical corners in the league when it comes to tackling. He’s not afraid to engage in run defense and make plays in the backfield.
✅ Versatility
Davis has the ability to play both in man coverage and zone schemes. His ability to match up with bigger receivers while also handling quick slot players makes him valuable in multiple defensive looks.
Leadership Role in Tampa’s Secondary
With the departure of veterans like Jamel Dean and Jordan Whitehead, Davis has stepped into a leadership role within the Buccaneers’ secondary. Young defensive backs like Zyon McCollum and Christian Izien have credited Davis with helping them adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL.
“He’s like a coach on the field,” said McCollum. “He’s always helping me with my technique and film study. That’s been huge for my development.”
Davis’ experience and consistency provide stability to a Buccaneers defense that remains one of the most aggressive in the league under Bowles.
Challenges Ahead in 2025
While Davis remains a top-tier cornerback, he’ll face significant challenges in the 2025 season:
- Staying Healthy – Davis has missed time in three of the last four seasons due to various injuries. Staying on the field will be key to maintaining his impact.
- Elite Competition – The NFC South features several talented receivers, including Chris Olave and Drake London. Davis will need to continue to rise to the occasion.
- Contract Situation – Davis’ contract expires after the 2025 season. If he performs at a high level, he could be in line for a significant payday — either from Tampa Bay or another team.
Conclusion
Carlton Davis’ rise from a second-round draft pick to one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks is a testament to his work ethic and talent. His physical coverage style, ability to play in multiple schemes, and leadership have made him an essential part of the Buccaneers’ success.
As the Buccaneers look to contend in the NFC, Davis’ ability to lock down top receivers will be critical. If he stays healthy and maintains his high level of play, Davis could cement his legacy as one of the best corners in franchise history.
