Buccaneers: Ranking rookies and their immediate impacts

Buccaneers rookies #4 and #5

4. Zyon McCollum – CB (Round 5, Pick 157)

Zycon McCollum is perhaps not the obvious answer here. The Bucs did draft a tight end, a position of serious need. But the fact that the Buccaneers didn’t address that position of need until Round 4 may indicate that they expect Rob Gronkowski back in the fold for one more year. After all, Brady came back. And Gronk had a very successful season last year with him.

As for McCollum, he’s a draft pick that the Buccaneers have to be elated with. He brings tremendous speed and athleticism to the Buccaneers’ secondary. And newly minted head coach Todd Bowles has a documented appreciation of a rotating cast of playmakers in that secondary.

McCollum could be a great weapon for Tampa Bay if they can use his speed to lock down opponent field-stretchers, and in turn free up room for more blitzes – another Bowles favorite. All in all, McCollum could see himself in a role with plenty of opportunity to shine in 2022.

5. Cade Otton – TE (Round 4, Pick 106)

Cade Otton skyrockets up this list if Rob Gronkowski does not come back to the Buccaneers for the 2022 season.

The Bucs’ offense has, for the last several years, employed two tight ends as a tremendously important element of their attack. If Gronk is back, Otton falls to the number three tight end on the depth chart. He would get snaps, but in a limited role. But, if Gronk does not return to football, Otton is in line to work behind veteran Cameron Brate as a very valuable member of Byron Leftwich’s scheme.

As mentioned above, the fact that Otton wasn’t picked until round four could be an indication that the Buccaneers expect not to need him this year, which is why he places low on this ranking. But there is a strong likelihood that Cade Otton will be given the unenviable task of replacing Rob Gronkowski. We will see if the rookie can handle it.