What CB Zyon McCollum brings to the Bucs
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers liked Sam Houston State cornerback Zyon McCollum so much, they traded a fourth-round pick in next year’s draft for the chance to select him in the fifth round this year.
They had good reasons, too.
McCollum is 6-2, 200 pounds, ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, and was a big-play machine who accounted for 13 interceptions and six forced fumbles in college.
What he brings to the table goes beyond the Xs and Os, though.
“I’m going to bring selflessness, character and integrity, for one, not even talking about football things,” McCollum told the media shortly after being drafted. “Me as a person, I view myself as a sponge and I’m looking to absorb any and all information from everybody. I’m looking to bring my intelligence, as well. I watch a ton of film and I pick up things really fast. Just being able to speak [and] talk football with everybody – communicate on the field, kind of bring the group closer together. You can go far alone but you can go further together.
McCollum also has the right mindset for a rookie hoping to contribute for a Super Bowl contender.
“Then from an athletic standpoint, I’m just looking to get better, for one, but also looking to compete at a high level,” McCollum said. “I want to be someone who contributes from day one, whether it’s on special teams or on defense. I think that competitive edge of being relentless and going all out, a lot of people feed off of that and it inspires not necessarily inspires but kind of pushes everybody towards the same thing.”
Injuries exposed Tampa Bay’s lack of quality depth at cornerback throughout last season, and adding an impressive prospect like McCollum could end up being a huge win for the Bucs as they look to avoid last year’s disappointing playoff exit.
List
2022 NFL draft: Who was the Bucs' best pick?
