Position Group: Cornerbacks
Players: Jamel Dean, Zyon McCollum, Josh Hayes, Tyrek Funderburk, Troy Hill (Reserve/Injured), Dallis Flowers (Reserve/Future), Bryce Hall (Reserve/Injured)
2024 Evaluation: For the Buccaneers in 2024, Zyon McCollum started all of the club's 17 games. He tied for third in the NFL with 17 passes defensed and had the fifth-lowest completion percentage allowed (58.4%) and ninth-lowest passer rating allowed (85.7) among cornerbacks with 80-plus targets in 2024. Overall, he nabbed two interceptions, a fumble recovery, 82 tackles and one tackle for loss. McCollum's most notable performance came against the Lions in Week Two at Ford Field. After suffering a concussion in the season opener against the Commanders, McCollum returned against the Lions and turned heads. He was targeted five times and tallied four passes defensed plus one interception and allowed just one reception for four yards. In 2023, he filled a variety of roles in the secondary but he carved out a full-time role on the outside opposite Jamel Dean in 2024. McCollum emphasized tackling fundamentals during the offseason and it fostered growth in his ability to finish in space on the field. With rare play speed and smooth footwork to match receiver release packages, McCollum bolstered the defense.
Dean missed four games in the middle of the season due to a hamstring injury he suffered in Week Six and he was placed on injured reserve. Late in the year, he injured both knees against the Carolina Panthers and missed the final regular season game and the Wild Card matchup against the Commanders. Dean accumulated seven pass breakups, a forced fumble and 59 tackles in 12 starts. He possesses 4.3 speed to stay with vertical threats and has the length to crowd the catch space. With solid change-of-direction skills and quick acceleration to top-end speed, Dean helped set the tone on the back end when healthy in 2024.
When Dean was injured midway through the 2024 campaign, undrafted rookie Tyrek Funderburk started Weeks 7-8 opposite McCollum until Josh Hayes took over the starting duties in the two ensuing contests, as well as the regular season finale and the Wild Card matchup. Hayes contributed 265 snaps, while Funderburk posted 162. The former displayed burst to the ball and hip fluidity. Funderburk, an Appalachian State product, showcased his skills as a route jumper and impressed enough during the offseason to make the final 53-man roster despite missing a chunk of the summer workout program with a foot injury. Funderburk endeared himself to the coaching staff with his knowledge of the game, instincts in off coverage/zone and hunger to learn every nuance of his craft.
The club's primary backup, Bryce Hall, was placed on injured reserve following the Week One clash. Hall was carted off the field after suffering a dislocated ankle and missed the duration of the season after undergoing surgery.
2025 Outlook: Bryce Hall and Troy Hill are unrestricted free agents. The Bucs agreed to terms on a one-year deal with former Jets' corner, Hall, in March. Originally a fifth-round pick in 2020 out of Virginia, Hall appeared in 39 games with 26 starts during his tenure in New York. Hill began his 10th season in the league with the Panthers and was released in October. He was signed to the active roster in November just 19 days after he was added to the Bucs' practice squad.
