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USA Today
25-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Where does the Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB group rank in the NFC South in 2025?
We are continuing a Summer series here on Bucs Wire, ranking the position groups across the division. The major pit stops of the offseason have come and gone, which means rosters are set for the most part. Now, could someone pull off a major trade or sign a veteran free agent down the line? Of course, and they likely will based on our luck to throw things off. Regardless, we wanted to do this exercise just to give you, the reader, a state of the division. At the end of each article, we will also provide a recap of the scorecards so that we can keep a running tally for you to keep track of and see who has the best roster in the division. Next up are the cornerbacks in the NFC South. 4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers Starting Group: Jamel Dean, Zyon McCollum, and Christian Izien The Bucs' pass defense in 2024 was atrocious on so many levels. So much so, they added two cornerbacks in the NFL Draft, one of which is competing for the starting nickel spot in training camp with Christian Izien. Jamel Dean is a cut candidate due to his contract, and Zyon McCollum, the team is waiting for him to put it together. They have a lot of potential but are nowhere close to realizing it yet. 3) New Orleans Saints Starting Group: Kool-Aid McKinstry, Isaac Yiadom, and Alontae Taylor The Saints' cornerback group has its own issues, but the group showed more moments of brilliance than the Bucs did in 2024. Kool-Aid McKinstry had a decent rookie year and is ready to step into a larger role as a sophomore with the departure of Paulson Adebo. More responsibility will fall on him, so it will make or break this group, but for now, I have faith in him to be something for this team. 2) Atlanta Falcons Starting Group: A.J. Terrell, Mike Hughes, and Dee Alford This group has a lot of issues as well, really every team in this division does, in the cornerback room. Unlike the others we have talked about, the Falcons have a bona fide CB1 in A.J. Terrell. The former Clemson Tiger has become one of the best at his position, and despite being a trade candidate last year, he remains a centerpiece to the Falcons' defense. With some extra pass rush help in 2025, he will have some more opportunities to make plays and help this group improve overall. 1) Carolina Panthers Starting Group: Jaycee Horn, Mike Jackson, and Chau Smith-Wade Jaycee Horn is in the top tier of cornerbacks in the NFL and is clearly the best in the NFC South. Horn was rewarded with a massive extension for his play and is set to be the face of the franchise on defense for the foreseeable future. He thrives in man coverage to the point that he can take away one half of the field and while the rest of the group is lacking, his talent tips the scales in their favor enough to win this position.
USA Today
07-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
33rd Team has the Bucs offseason needs down to 4 positions
The NFL Draft and the weeks leading up to it are hectic for fans and teams alike for different reasons. Everyone has an idea of what teams like the Bucs should focus on, and they want to share it. This week, The 33rd Team shared their opinions on every team's draft needs, including the Bucs. They listed the positions of need for the Bucs as edge, guard, safety, and tight end. We have also focused on all of those positions here at Bucs Wire, including wide receiver. The 33rd Team explained their reasoning for these positions as, 'The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are surprisingly solid, largely thanks to hitting on mid-round picks like Yaya Diaby, Zyon McCollum, and Tykee Smith. Chasing after high-upside players across the defense will be the key for a unit preparing to see some starters hit free agency. The 2025 offseason will be about improving an already good team.' What shouldn't be lost on people reading his is everyone recognizes how close this Bucs team is to being a Super Bown contender. The 33rd Team hammers it home, but not many people are. With a strong 2025 class, this team could be making a playoff run a year from now.
