Buccaneers’ Josh Hayes Makes Impact in NFL Debut Despite Injury Scare

Buccaneers cornerback Josh Hayes, a sixth-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, made his highly anticipated debut as a potential starter against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football. Hayes, who played college football at Kansas State and North Dakota State, was drafted to compete for the nickelback position but has been cross-trained to play outside cornerback.

Hayes’ opportunity arose after rookie Tyrek Funderburk was benched, and he has been preparing diligently, taking increased reps during practice. Despite his limited NFL experience, Hayes has shown promise, particularly in his role as a gunner on special teams and in his defensive snaps. He boasts a coverage grade of 72.4, ranking him among the top defenders on the Buccaneers.

In the Monday night game, Hayes faced a significant challenge against one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes. Despite the tough matchup, Hayes performed admirably, recording six tackles (five solo), a pass breakup, and a crucial fumble recovery. However, his night was briefly interrupted when he exited the game in the third quarter due to cramping but later returned.

Hayes’ performance and readiness could be pivotal for the Buccaneers, who are currently struggling and were nine-point underdogs against the Chiefs. His ability to create turnovers and his overall defensive contributions will be critical in upcoming games.