Zyon McCollum Growing Into A Lockdown Corner

November 7th, 2024

Racking up strong numbers.

Could the Bucs have a future shutdown corner growing in their garden?

Well, if you believe what the PFF tribe pumps out regularly, then maybe the Bucs do.

Zyon McCollum is in his third season but it’s his first season as a full-time starter. He’s had some games and made some plays that got Bucs fans’ attention for strong play.

Here is what the PFF tribe dug up on McCollum through nine games: It seems McCollum has had four games where he has allowed less than 10 yards receiving to targets in his coverage sphere.

Now that’s not too shabby. And the PFF tribe may be onto something. Per Pro-Football-Reference.com, McCollum leads the Bucs with 10 passes defensed. That’s twice as much as the No. 2 Bucs defender in passes defensed, Tykee Smith.

The way McCollum has played in his first season as a full-time starter, he might become that coveted shutdown corner.

https://twitter.com/pff_buccaneers/status/1854315490614636636

12 Responses to “Zyon McCollum Growing Into A Lockdown Corner”

  1. Joe Mac Says:

    Bench Whitehead.

    Keep Izien on the field. He makes plays and even saves games!

    Winfield and Izien need to start together.

    Tykes Smith, Izien and Winfield need to be on the field at all times

    Sign Zion’s twin in the off-season. Twins have proven telepathic powers.

    Putting Josh Hayes on an island was cruel. Funderburk as well.

    We clearly lack a #3 and #4 CB.

    Hayes is a special teams player. Starting him was unfair.

  2. Xristos Says:

    Joe Mac hahaha. The way our coverage works (especially zone coverage) only telepathy could help.
    On a serious note, McCollum has shown imporvement for sure but let us not overhype players like we always do. Give some time and we will see what he can become.
    Everyone said last year Diaby is a beast and he should be starting. Well he is starting now but we can see he is not there yet.
    So let us see what he can do as a player before we crown him.
    Go Bucs

  3. heyjude Says:

    “Fewer than 10 receiving yards allowed in his coverage in four games.” This is Zyon’s breakout year. He is doing well.

    Zyon and other players including Ali Marpet are also part of the Buccaneers Player and Student Mentoring Program. Good stuff on and off the field. So proud of the Bucs franchise.

  4. Gipper Says:

    McCollum has been a bright spot in an otherwise miserable defense this year. McCollum and VV might be only Bucs who could play meaningful minutes on Chiefs, Lions, 49ers. Would like to include LVD, but he has lost a step after 13 years in NFL. Hope Licht and his scouts are identifying 2025 defensive draft help.
    Bucs need a lot of defense help and a new DC. Bucs will rally to 9-8 for season. Would be better not to make playoffs this season since defense is so pathetic.

  5. Beejezus-belt Says:

    He is the Bucs best corner, but Todd Bowles WILL NOT put him on the teams best receiver. I am just a simpleton, but I would have put him on Hopkins all night no matter he lined up. I don’t think he would have been so successful against this defense on Monday.

  6. Mike C Says:

    He Is Him

  7. PSL Bob Says:

    I said it much earlier this year. I think McCollum has the skills and mental acuity to be a lock down corner. He seems to know what’s coming and has a couple of picks because of it. He’s alway around the ball, and he tackles well. Although he’s let a couple of WR slip behind him, he’ll learn from those mistakes. The arrow’s pointing up!

  8. StickinUp4Centers Says:

    It’s easier to post these stats when the defensive coordinator has him cover no name WRs so Hayes can man up with Hopkins.

  9. Beeej Says:

    And we’re getting that production with a rookie contract, something you can’t get when you trade your draft picks

  10. Joe Mac Says:

    I guarantee athletes experience telepathy.

    And twins even more so.

    The research has proven it.

    Twins are highly telepathic.

    And all the great QB’s speak of having a special “connection” with wide receivers.

    Telepathy is not an illogical theory.

    Ask Ronde and Tiki.

  11. Conte Piscatelli Says:

    What good is a lockdown corner if he doesn’t follow the other teams best receiver? Trams know they can get the matchup they want all day by simply moving their guy to the other side of the field and get a matchup with a practice squad guy

  12. Matt_PcAfee Says:

    Replace KJ with Jordan problem solved