In 2024, Buccaneers' third-year cornerback Zyon McCollum has carved out a full-time role opposite incumbent Jamel Dean. His play in Week Two garnered attention around the NFL as he set career-highs. After suffering a concussion in the season opener against the Commanders, McCollum returned at Ford Field and left an undeniable mark on the game. McCollum was targeted five times and tallied four passes defensed, one interception and allowed just one reception for four yards. For the Sam Houston product, self-confidence has cultivated development.
"It's night and day," noted McCollum. "My rookie year, trying to jump routes, I was always scared, and I was always fearful, and I did not necessarily trust myself. Now that I know I have the coach's trust and my teammates trust and I am starting to trust myself, I can really know what I see from film and when I see it out there in the game, I just go for it."
Last season, McCollum filled a variety of roles in the secondary as injuries piled up. He played 665 snaps at outside corner, 59 at slot corner and 31 at safety in 2023. McCollum totaled 41 tackles, two forced fumbles and his trademark athleticism was on full display. He has reached new heights in 2024 with growth as a wrap-up tackler. After leaving his feet too early over the previous two seasons, he prioritized fundamentals during the offseason. McCollum trained with his twin brother, Tristin McCollum to foster growth. The pair worked through tackle drills without pads to attack each other's weaknesses.
"In the offseason, me and my brother tackled each other without pads," described Zyon McCollum. "It was like, if I am going to get good at tackling then let's do it without the pads. Just doing that and believing in it and doing it repetitively over and over again and not getting bored with the basics, [attributed to growth]."
McCollum possesses stellar ball skills and elite play speed. He has fluid footwork to match releases out of his backpedal and uses his length to disrupt the catch space. This season – spurred by physical workouts - the game has slowed down for McCollum and the results are evident between the hashes. McCollum has solidified the secondary and is on pace for a breakout year in Tampa Bay.
