A Bold Todd Bowles Blessing
March 11th, 2024
Bucs cornerback Zyon McCollum.
Joe has to think that head coach Todd Bowles blessed today’s somewhat surprising trade of No. 1 cornerback Carlton Davis, a Super Bowl corner, to the Detrot Lions.
The Bucs cleared about $6 million in salary cap room this season, but Joe has no doubt this was mostly a football move.
Joe believes Bowles, a true guru when it comes to developing defensive backs, thinks Davis is on the decline and third-year cornerback Zyon McCollum is ready for the big leagues.
McCollum turns 25 in May and he’s a Bowles favorite. The coaching staff wants him on the field. Ask Bowles about McCollum and he’ll say he improves steadily and is a very smart player with a strong work ethic. Bowles also has said McCollum was his most improved player last season. McCollum also possesses truly elite athleticism and he stayed healthy in 2023. Davis has missed 16 starts over the past three seasons.
Joe is very nervous about McCollum becoming a full-time starter, but it’s impossible not to trust Bowles. The 2020 Bucs were the first team in decades to win a Super Bowl without a current or former Pro Bowl defensive back on the roster.
Remember, the 2020 Bucs starting cornerbacks — Dean and Davis — were very young and ranked in preseason by some as the worst starting cornerbacks duo in the NFL. That set off the whole defensive backs unit, “The Gravediggers” were born and the rest is history.
If Bowles says McCollum is ready, Joe can live with that. That doesn’t mean he’s as good as Davis was, but it’s not like Davis was some sort of Pro Bowl superstar.
March 11th, 2024 at 6:56 pm
The cap savings alone and the upside were definitely worth it. Add a third round pick to sweeten the pot and it’s the right move. Davis is on the last year of his deal and will be turning 30 by 2025. No way he got resigned. Time to see what the Young Buc has got. Go Zyon!
March 11th, 2024 at 6:57 pm
McCollumn has potential to be better IMO. He’s faster and has better hands and is also lanky/tall like Davis. He has the profile to be a potential shut down guy.
Looks like we got their 92nd pick for the 3rd rounder vs the 72nd. I thought we could get more than that but I’m sure they shopped him around to all the teams and that ultimately was the best deal we could get.
We need to re allocate resources to front 7 so philosphically I’m good with this but we need to bring the pass rush this year.
March 11th, 2024 at 6:57 pm
Right on Joe. He is ready. Now Pass Rush. Pass Rush.
March 11th, 2024 at 6:59 pm
This makes no sense, even if they think Zyon is ready to start, you need three corners – they’re in nickel as much as they’re in base.
Nothing against Zyom, he improved greatly, but he’s got a ways to go before he’s as good as Davis (and hopefully he gets there).
To me this says Bowles is going back to that awful soft zone garbage where it doesn’t matter who you have back there, since everyone is just told to stand around and wait for someone to happen before they move. Ugh…
March 11th, 2024 at 7:00 pm
Trade for Burns market says 3rd rounder now the Bucs have two.
March 11th, 2024 at 7:02 pm
It wasn’t really that big of a surprise Joe.
Most of the off-season plans I have seen for the Bucs had them either cutting or trading C. Davis.
I am actually shocked we were able to get a 3rd round pick for him (in exchange for two 6th round picks)…
Davis peaked a few years ago and probably won’t be in the league much longer.
March 11th, 2024 at 7:04 pm
@ Allbuccedup
Sorry buddy.
Burns is signing with the Giants and just got a monster deal – $83M guaranteed.
I wanted him as well but Carolina would never trade him to us.
March 11th, 2024 at 7:06 pm
@Rod,
How many times are you going to regurgitate the same thing? The Bucs have plenty of time to address the corner position. The best ability is availability. I’d rather have Zyon play a full season and be slightly less talented than Davis than have Davis miss 3-4 games or play partial games every season. Bowles doesn’t play a single style of defense an entire game. If anything, this puts an onus on getting that pass rush solidified. It will help the secondary tremendously.
March 11th, 2024 at 7:11 pm
Marine Buc – I agree that Davis peaked a couple of years ago, but he was still easily the best corner on the team, and when he was allowed to play man-to-man, he mostly looked good.
I really really think this is more about scheme than anything. I really, honestly, think the end of that Rams playoff game broke Bowles. He went to that garbage soft zone for basically a year and a half, and the defense fell off a cliff – then finally started to look better once they went back to man-to-man. But from White, to Davis to Dean, the soft zone garbage didn’t fit the aggressive players they had. So get rid of them – because it wasn’t the scheme that was the issue, no, it was the players, they didn’t understand how to stand in a spot without moving well enough.
Meh. I really hate this, and it’s not all about Davis, its about what it means.
March 11th, 2024 at 7:11 pm
A pass rush cures all ills.
March 11th, 2024 at 7:12 pm
I’m sorry but McCollum is in no way ready to fill these shoes.
They better draft a stud CB this year… or pray someone becomes available in FA.
March 11th, 2024 at 7:16 pm
lambchop – you do know that Dean misses a lot more time than Davis, right? So now who are playing at corner? Are we back to getting Sherman off the couch to come start for us? Maybe we get Ryan Smith to come back?
The 2003 Bucs season was destroyed because of an injury to Brian Kelly. The Bucs lost Dexter Jackson in FA, then moved Dwight Smith from corner to safety to cover for that. When Kelly got hurt, the Bucs had trash players and rookies trying to fill his spot, and they were terrible. One leak in the defense caused them to go from the best of all time, to merely like a top 7 defense. Since that season, I realized why you have to have 3 good corners, and if you don’t, you’re screwed.
But please, tell me who you’re replacing Davis with for $6m that start – because a 3rd corner is a starter in this defense.
March 11th, 2024 at 7:16 pm
Jason Licht is absolutely killin it this off-season. Hopefully the trend will continue, and LD54 will be back.
March 11th, 2024 at 7:17 pm
@ Rod
This is one of those situations that you just have to trust the head coach and the GM.
Todd Bowles knows what he is looking for and our GM is tasked with filling the order…
No doubt when healthy CD was a solid cover guy but he had some blatant defects as well.
I believe CD would be a better nickel corner because of his quickness and size limitations. I will be interested to see what role he plays in Detroit.
March 11th, 2024 at 7:20 pm
Rod … ‘Even if they think Zyon is ready to start, you need three corners – they’re in nickel as much as they’re in base.’
Three starter-capable CBs is the absolute minimum Rod; just look at our CB availability over the past 5 years since we’ve implemented Bowles’ hybrid 3-4 defense. For some reason, this defense seems to eat CBs for lunch. I’d say we need 3 starter-capable outside corners and 2 starter-capable Nickel & Dime DBs (could be guys like Logan Ryan or Izien who can play Nickel or Safety). Todd seems to love having guys with that versatility.
March 11th, 2024 at 7:20 pm
Good for Davis, going to a team with an awesome Head Coach. Obviously we had too much tied up in press man CBs when the Head Coich Defenseless Coordinator loves him some zone bust coverages. Third most passing yards given up last year and one of the worst of all time. Defensive genius!!!
It will be interesting to see how poorly Bowles decides to use his new crop of DBs.
March 11th, 2024 at 7:26 pm
And Rod, Dean actually has better availability than Davis over the past 5 years. Dean played in 70 regular season games in the last 5 years, while Davis played in only 63 games in those same 5 years. But since the Bucs’ TEAM played 83 regular season games in those 5 years, neither had great availability (Dean 84.3% and Davis 75.9%). No surprise that Davis was the one traded.
March 11th, 2024 at 7:26 pm
Marine Buc – On this, I absolutely 100% do not trust Bowles. I think he’s moved into the territory where he says he scheme works fantastic, he just needs people to play it better.
Having watched his soft zone scheme, I can say confidently, it sucks. It’s not the Tampa 2, it’s not a tight zone, guys literally just stand around. In those ALL22s, half the defense wouldn’t even move early in the season.
I just really have no idea what Bowles is thinking, why he decided to throw out his SB winning scheme, but I have a feeling it’s the same reason he doesn’t use his timeouts. He’s right, everyone else is wrong and doesn’t understand…
I hope you’re right.
March 11th, 2024 at 7:27 pm
What I’m certain of is that Head Coach Todd Bowles led a squad of puppies all the way to the Super Bowl, showcasing undeniable dominance. With that kind of track record, I have complete confidence that he’s making the right decisions.
March 11th, 2024 at 7:28 pm
Good luck to Carlton Davis and the Lions. I hope it’s a win win and we pick a great player in the 3rd round.
March 11th, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Defense Rules – I agree, you need at least 3 starters, but just from a realistic standpoint, it’s very difficult to even have 3. That’s why, if you do have 3, you should do just about anything to hold them together.
Now if trading Davis freed up his whole salary, that you could spend on a pass rusher, that might make more sense, but $6m gets you Greg Gaines and a Big Mac.
As I was saying to Marine Buc – this to me is a huge sign that they’re just going to be a zone defense, and not the good Tampa 2 zone either.
March 11th, 2024 at 7:30 pm
@ Rod
I don’t like the “soft zone” BS either however – CD is too delicate of a flower to withstand the Autumn Wind…
CD is a solid cover CB when healthy but he isn’t healthy enough these days.
I believe the Bucs made the right move here man but only time will tell.
March 11th, 2024 at 7:31 pm
I bet we’re throwing another rookie corner into the mix
March 11th, 2024 at 7:33 pm
Next man up. Zion will be a starter and izien should be better in year 2 at nickel. Pick up an edge rusher safety and going to need some more CBs. Most importantly a freaking pass rusher.
March 11th, 2024 at 7:33 pm
@ DR/Rod
The Bucs have their 3 starters even without Davis –
– J. Dean
– Z. McCollum
– C. Izien
Plus the Bucs will probably draft another CB come April.
We will be fine.
March 11th, 2024 at 7:37 pm
I mean, it kind of hurts. But look at other teams waiting too long to go into action before a player gives out. If the Panthers traded Burns a year ago, they would have gotten 2 1st round picks. Instead they got a 2nd and a 5th this year.
The Bucs probably anticipated Davis would decline next year (when he would be a FA and he would probably have walked away for free). A lot to be said about getting in front of the situation.
Belichick like move.
March 11th, 2024 at 7:37 pm
Great move! Should probably sign or draft another for depth though
March 11th, 2024 at 7:41 pm
Marine Buc – I like Izien, but I wouldn’t be shocked if the Bucs plan on moving him to safety. Perhaps they see what, if anything, they can get in FA before moving him. Just a guess, obviously.
March 11th, 2024 at 7:41 pm
I’m glad JL, is cutting ties with all of his mistakes……..
March 11th, 2024 at 7:42 pm
Not a surprising move at all imo. He had to go. Set to make 14 million next season. Last year of contract. Ranking 68th among NFL corners by PFF last season. Has missed 16 games over the past 3 seasons. Has less than 5 interceptions in this decade. Was brutally awfully in the playoff loss to Dallas last season. This guy was one of the truly most overrated Super Bowl Bucs. It was a bad contract to begin with and Licht did good to get out of it and pull a 3rd round pick!
March 11th, 2024 at 7:44 pm
For the money the Bucs were paying Davis, he couldn’t stay healthy or create
turn-overs.
March 11th, 2024 at 7:50 pm
Bucs setting up a move up the draft board
March 11th, 2024 at 7:50 pm
@ Rod
Re: Izien
He is really short 5’8″ – but he is quick and is a solid tackler.
Seems more suited for a nickel corner rather than a safety who will be asked to cover 6’5″ tight ends…
March 11th, 2024 at 7:51 pm
Davis wasn’t good enough to overcome a poor defensive plan and a bad pass rush. Think they just creating cap space to fix the O line and D line. Davis will ball out in Detroit if he can stay healthy. That’s a big if.
March 11th, 2024 at 7:57 pm
Which Lions 3rd pick
#73
or
# 92 ?
BIG DIFFERENCE
March 11th, 2024 at 7:58 pm
I just saw Kirk Cousins contract with ATL.
What a stupid team.
I freaking love it.
March 11th, 2024 at 8:14 pm
DAYUMMMMMMM!!!
Brian Burns just got PAID!!!!!!!
Now he’s a NY Giant..
We could have never afforded that salary.
March 11th, 2024 at 8:15 pm
Hope we are targeting Danielle Hunter nowwwwwww
He’s like the last good pass rusher left…
March 11th, 2024 at 8:16 pm
Todd Bowls is a guru when it comes to DB’s. Did I hear that right. As much as I love Baker and I think that is a great move, to say Todd is a guru makes be squirm. I’m sorry, his bad decisions regarding DB coverage caused the Bucs there second SB in a row and possibly a 3rd one as well. Just keeping it real in Ireland.
March 11th, 2024 at 8:19 pm
Can’t have every player making $14 million. Replace with younger faster and cheaper and draft a corner in first 3 rounds. Davis was brittle and had hands is stone. Good solid move.
March 11th, 2024 at 8:28 pm
SB, I’m hearing they got Lions 92nd pic
March 11th, 2024 at 8:30 pm
Bwoles will find a way to further regress the pass defense. He could get the 25 year old versions of Revis, Prime Time, Ronde, Antoine and Lott and give up the yards like free cotton candy at the carnival.
March 11th, 2024 at 8:36 pm
Kind of wondering if Zyon might be better back there with Antoine at S. Even if they were to bring somebody like Whitehead or Edwards back.
March 11th, 2024 at 8:47 pm
Defensive backs are replaceable like running backs, great pass rushers should be the highest paid players on our defense
March 11th, 2024 at 8:50 pm
Again, the Toddster could have 6 hall of famers back there and would find a way to confuse them and give it up like a hoa at a political convention.
March 11th, 2024 at 8:53 pm
From what little we saw of McCollum and Delaney last year, my impressions were:
– Delaney is much better at safety than any CB position.
– McCollum was okay as the #2 outside corner once in a while, but many times was caught way out of position.
Hope he takes a big leap, or we find a stud in the draft / free agency.
March 11th, 2024 at 8:56 pm
When the Toadblow hires a real defensive coordinator and truly embraces being a head coach, it might be time to expect some improvement over his losing record, especially with the talent Jason has afforded him on the Bucs. Otherwise, Tom Brady could be your QB and you gave a losing record.
Licht knows.
Glazers know.
Last chance, Todd.
March 11th, 2024 at 9:02 pm
I liked Davis, but he had the hardest time dropping into a zone scheme. He just couldn’t adjust from being a man player.
March 11th, 2024 at 9:11 pm
It’s a shame Licht had to learn his massive lesson from his utter mistakes with Devon White, but I got to give them a little credit here. Carlton Davis is just injured way too much. On top of it being his last year on his deal…..: you’re simply not gonna replace Davis with a third round pic, but the pic will help with the cap and definitely allow some flexibility and maneuvering……
March 11th, 2024 at 9:14 pm
It’s more to this trade than we are aware of. I know it clears cap dollars but there’s more. I have full confidence in Licht and Bowles on this particular trade.
March 11th, 2024 at 9:16 pm
I imagine Bowles concluded we have a LOT of money tied up in the secondary for little return (Outside of Winfield) With the money THAT dude is about to get, you’d nearly have $60 million/yr on 3 dudes
March 11th, 2024 at 9:17 pm
I trust the Bucs leadership as we need guys that are available and can catch an oskie! More turnovers from the CB’s. Winfield can’t cover the whole dang field!
March 11th, 2024 at 9:45 pm
MCCOLLUM LITERALLY COST US THE FINAL PLAYOFF GAME. He plays TERRIBLE COVERAGE WTF WE NEED TO MOVE ON
March 11th, 2024 at 9:57 pm
This was a good move to get a third round pick for a guy who can’t stay healthy to save his life, Davis got burnt too much when he was on the field as well. Bowles is definitely gonna get another DB in the draft without a doubt. So far this off season is going well, need to sign David to a two or three year deal now
March 11th, 2024 at 10:02 pm
@superfanboi You are correct. McCollum got torched against Detroit when Dean went down. Great athlete, just not a great CB. Will miss Davis, but this looks like a money decision more than anything else. Sorry to see Davis go.
March 11th, 2024 at 10:32 pm
Maybe now we can get some INT’s
March 11th, 2024 at 10:36 pm
If the Bucs had a full time undistracted practical defensive coordinator instead of an overrated DC overpromoted Toad (who loves being called a genius) as Head Coich, they might be able to win.
March 11th, 2024 at 10:44 pm
Carlton has feet for hands.
March 11th, 2024 at 10:45 pm
McCollum has “Elite” athleticism to the extreme…
As in he tested better overall athletically than any CB that has come out of the draft in the last 25 years!
And he doesn’t get hurt every other game….
March 11th, 2024 at 10:46 pm
Marine Buc Says:
Izien He is really short 5’8″ – but he is quick and is a solid tackler. Seems more suited for a nickel corner rather than a safety who will be asked to cover 6’5″ tight ends…
————-
Winfield is 5′ 9″, but he’s also an exceptional talent. You make a fair point, those would be two very short safeties.
March 11th, 2024 at 10:50 pm
Eckwood Says:
“It’s a shame Licht had to learn his massive lesson from his utter mistakes with Devon White…”
————————————————————————————–
White played an important role in 2020 when we won the Super Bowl. And because of that I would never characterize him as a “mistake”.
March 11th, 2024 at 11:12 pm
White’s decline is on the soft “genius” — the alleged masturmind. Bolweszo says “we adjust scheme based on players” and in fact he’s ruined or driven off great talent. Licht can’t fire the division winning coich but when he loses again even despite a decent offense he will be the realtor he’s destined to be.
March 11th, 2024 at 11:13 pm
It was like Davis wasn’t even there last year; opponents just chunked it down the field as if there was no coverage at all.
That had to change, so this trade looks like a good move, because at least something was done.
Bowles’ “decision-making-problem” I see as a separate issue with two major parts: the “run-game obsession” and the “game-losing pull-back zone defense.”
Hopefully the first part will be positively affected by a new O.C., and the second part may still be a problem this year.
March 11th, 2024 at 11:14 pm
Baker is a good dude… After playing for only $4M, he stayed loyal and took $100 when he could have went to ATL and made $150M… Big respect, I would not have done it….
March 11th, 2024 at 11:48 pm
I’ll tolerate you till I can replace you. He got replaced. He makes game changer money but didn’t change the games enough in our favor for that salary.
March 12th, 2024 at 12:34 am
“Jonzee” – You are a flat-out troll. He re-signed with the Bucs because there was NO such $150-MILLION deal for HIM. The ‘market’ for HIM (like that) just did NOT exist. NOBODY was giving him $40M+per (&/or) $100MIL guaranteed. Period. The reason he made BOTH deals was because he had to… He NEVER had the ‘choice’ on either deal. End of Story.
March 12th, 2024 at 6:25 am
OMG – just go watch the 4th quarter of the playoff game against the Lions, and see if you think McCollum is ready.
March 12th, 2024 at 7:04 am
It’s weird to have enough talent on the roster to pull a Belichek and launch a player before they are spent.
March 12th, 2024 at 9:04 am
Anybody willing to give up a third round pick for Bowles?
March 12th, 2024 at 9:37 am
I think TB wants a turnover machine playing corner. Davis could cover but made few takeaways. TB wants both in his corners.