The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have two starting locks at cornerback, but one player’s role has yet to be determined. The team needs to figure out who starts on the outside opposite Jamel Dean and in the slot. With Tykee Smith moving to safety, the Buccaneers could start rookie Benjamin Morrison or Jacob Parrish on the outside, resulting in a four-year player shifting to a new position.
Also Read: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Big 12 Rookie Could Start at Key Position
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ former fifth-round pick played a key role in 2024
Zyon McCollum took over as the starting outside cornerback, replacing Carlton Davis III in the lineup. He posted career highs in tackles, interceptions, pass deflections, starts, and snaps, but gave up a lot of passing yards. McCollum recorded 82 tackles, two interceptions, 17 pass deflections, allowing a 57.4% completion percentage, 839 yards, four touchdowns, and an 86.9 passer rating in 17 regular-season starts and 95% of snaps.
The former fifth-round pick enters the final year of his rookie contract. If things work out for him, he could earn a lucrative contract. It will also depend on where he plays in the secondary, since not all positions pay the same.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers may try key defensive starter at new position
According to Dan Pompei of The Athletic, Todd Bowles has flirted with the idea of Zyon McCollum switching positions. As previously mentioned, Benjamin Morrison or Jacob Parrish could start on the outside, resulting in a vacancy in the slot, with Christian Izien as one of the leading candidates. McCollum may end up switching to the inside.
“The Bucs used the draft to infuse talent in the back end of their defense, taking corners Benjamin Morrison in the second round and Jacob Parrish in the third. Both could contribute as rookies, with Parrish expected to compete for the nickel cornerback spot. Second-year man Tykee Smith could continue to be a nickel corner, but he also could have an expanded role at safety, as the team released Jordan Whitehead. And coach Todd Bowles raised the possibility that Zyon McCollum, who has primarily played outside up to this point, also could play inside over the slot receiver,” Pompei said.
