Cornerback Ayden Garnes was ranked 10th on Pro Football Focus’ list of the highest graded rookies through Week 2 of the 2026 preseason. Garnes has earned an 86.9 overall grade, putting him among the best performing rookies who have played at least 30 preseason snaps.
Garnes has earned a 90.4 coverage grade through two games. Across 53 coverage snaps, opponents have targeted him seven times, completing four passes for 54 yards. Despite allowing those four receptions, quarterbacks have managed just a 42.3 passer rating when targeting him. He has also recorded an interception and a pass breakup without allowing a touchdown. Against the New York Jets, Garnes jumped a Bailey Zappe pass and returned it 47 yards for a touchdown, providing Tampa Bay with one of its biggest defensive plays of the night, helping him earn a 91.8 grade in the preseason opener, when he ranked fifth among all rookies after Week 1.
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Garnes has now maintained that strong start long enough to remain among PFF’s top rookies after the second week. That could be important with roster cuts approaching. Tampa Bay has spent considerable resources rebuilding its secondary, with Benjamin Morrison, Jacob Parrish and Keionte Scott among the young defensive backs already on the roster. Garnes entered camp without the security that comes with being a draft pick, making every preseason opportunity even more important. An undrafted rookie earning a 90.4 coverage grade while holding opposing quarterbacks to a 42.3 passer rating is difficult to ignore. Garnes arrived in Tampa Bay fighting for an opportunity. Through two preseason games, he has done enough to become one of the more interesting names to watch when the Buccaneers begin making their final roster decisions.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Ayden Garnes lands among PFF’s highest graded rookies
