The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' secondary continues to get boosts through training camp. It's needed, as the secondary has been a bit of a question mark.
The Buccaneers addressed the position in the draft when they took Keionte Scott in round four. The University of Miami alumnus has been doing well in camp thus far, but it's a couple of other players that Tampa needed to step up, and they have.
Damarion Williams looks to be a sleeper coming off a relatively average 2025, but four-year veteran Zyon McColloum is also making waves as he looks to lead the younger guys on the unit.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are experiencing a suprising competition at cornerback this year
McCollum started all 17 games in 2024 and another 13 in 2025, missing four games to injury. He is the leader in the locker room at his position, and he is embracing it. After an opening camp interception on Baker Mayfield, McCollum knows that this is the year he needs to take to the next level.
"I don't put too much pressure on myself, but it's time. It's time to make that jump."Zyon McCollum
Entering his 5th season after signing an extension in 2025, McCollum is taking on the role he often talked about over his previous seasons.
#Bucs CB Zyon McCollum started off training camp with a bang getting an INT on QB Baker Mayfield. McCollum shared he was waiting to get one back on WR Emeka Egbuka, who caught the same route on him during OTAs.
— PewterReport 🏴☠️ (@PewterReport) July 29, 2026
McCollum recognizes “it’s that time” and isn’t playing it safe. pic.twitter.com/QIuXXQ1KVH
It's good to see the veteran's juices flowing early in camp. His positive energy will rub off on the rest of the secondary; it already has, apparently, with Williams.
The NFL has three types of leaders on a team. The guy who leads with a powerful voice that other players have no choice but to take notice of. There is the guy who leads by example on and off the field. Then there is the quiet one who does his job and guides those around him. McCollum is that guy, and he is just as important to the Buccaneers as anyone else.
McCollum is the number one cornerback on the Buccaneers' roster, but he needs to take another step forward, as he isn't one of the top CBs in the league. He has the talent, but he has to improve on the inconsistencies that plagued him last season.
For McCollum, the time is now to take the next step and truly play like a CB1. It's time to return to the level of play he showed in 2024. Injuries likely played a role in his 2025 setback, but if the Buccaneers defense is going to be strong this year, he has to be an integral part of that success.
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