As the NFL Draft rolled on through the third and fourth rounds, there was one name in particular at the top of the Bucs’ board that seemed to be falling. Little did they know, he would fall right into their lap. After trading a future fourth-round pick to Jacksonville, the team moved back into the draft and selected Sam Houston cornerback Zyon McCollum with the pick No. 157.

The athletic cornerback was the talk of the NFL Combine, putting up testing scores that had never been seen in the history of annual event. His size (6-foot-2), speed (4.33 40-yard dash) and athleticism are a rare blend, even for the cornerback position. McCollum came into offseason work hungry and ready to learn. He impressed during OTAs and mini-camp, and has built upon that through the first few days of training camp.

“We’re putting a lot in right now, so obviously he’s going to have to be learning for the next two weeks,” Bucs head coach Todd Bowles said. “But his athleticism, his speed and his intelligence are there. It’s just him getting used to the system.”

Quickly Catching The Eye Of Teammates

Bucs CB Zyon McCollum – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

McCollum has had peaks and valleys in camp so far. He’s put himself in good position to make plays on the ball, but has also been beaten a few times by the league’s deepest receiving corps. He’s learning everyday as he works his way up through the ranks. Those intangibles haven’t just caught the eyes of the coaching staff, but also his Bucs teammates’ as well. He has specifically stood out to veterans Carlton Davis and Jamel Dean.

“Zyon is a great fit for our defense,” Davis said. “He’s learning, but he came in really advanced, even from the college he came from. He’s a rookie that’s working his way up. Working his way up the ranks and he’s going to have a bright future.”

Dean shares a similar view and is looking forward to what the rookie can do on the field when the regular season rolls around.

“He’s looked pretty good,” Dean said. “He came in strong and is having a great camp right now. So, I’m just looking forward to see what he can do in the season.”

More Work To Do For Bucs’ Fifth-Round Pick

Even through the praise McCollum has received, he’s stayed grounded and focused on what he needs to do.

“It makes me feel good of course, but there’s still a lot of work to go,” McCollum said. “We haven’t played in any games yet, so to hear that makes me feel good. I’m going to continue to keep doing what I’ve been doing, but at the end of the day, I’ve got to get prepared for game day. And that’s what my main focus is on.”

There are high hopes for the rookie cornerback and the upside he possesses. If he can continue to build on what he’s learned each day in practice, there will be a spot for him on gameday and the Bucs’ 53-man roster.