Analysis: Galveston Ball's Zyon McCollum drafted by Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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CB Zyon McCollum, Sam Houston, Galveston Ball 

Pick: Round 5 (157) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

As a prep: The one-time Utah commit wound up at Sam Houston in the class of 2017 as a three-star prospect. He was a two-time second-team all-district selection in District 23-5A. His only other reported offer was from Tulane. McCollum was ranked as the 215th-best corner and the 2,140th-best overall prospect in the 2017 cycle, according to 247Sports Composite. 

As a collegiate: McCollum immediately made an impact at Sam Houston. He started 10 games as a true freshman in 2017, becoming the first Bearkat to intercept at least three passes as a true freshman since 2001. He was an All-Southland first team selection as a sophomore in 2018 and second team as a junior in 2019. McCollum blossomed into an All-American over his final two seasons, helping Sam Houston win an FCS national championship in the spring of 2021. 

As a pro? McCollum is an intriguing prospect in the eyes of NFL scouts. On one hand, he’s fast enough to stick at corner and big enough at 6-4 to move to safety. On the other hand, no one has seen him play against top-tier competition. McCollum’s ability to adjust from the FCS level to the NFL likely dictates his pro success. Hopefully, the team is patient with him during his development because the Galveston native possesses all the physical tools required to be a starter in the NFL. 

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