Position Group: Cornerbacks
Players: Jamel Dean, Zyon McCollum (Reserve/Injured), Jacob Parrish, Benjamin Morrison, Kindle Vildor, Josh Hayes
2025 Evaluation: Jamel Dean accumulated 660 snaps in 2025 and allowed the lowest passer rating when targeted among cornerbacks with a minimum of 35 defensive targets per NextGen Stats (41.3). Additionally, he had the second-lowest completion percentage when targeted among cornerbacks with a minimum of 35 defensive targets in 2025 (43.1%). Dean dealt with a shoulder injury in 2025 that forced him to miss time but when on the field, Dean made his presence felt on the boundary. He quickly accelerates to top speed and disrupts the catch space with his length. Dean has fluid change-of-direction to burst out of breaks in transition.
Zyon McCollum posted 766 snaps in 2025 and sustained a hip injury in the Week 15 loss to the Falcons, moving him to injured reserve. He missed the final three games of the 2025 slate and accumulated one interception, six passes defensed, 65 combined tackles and a tackle for loss. He has the ability to match releases from his backpedal and is balanced at phasing routes. McCollum has quick-twitch athleticism and effectively closes to the ball from zone.
Third-round pick Jacob Parrish became the club's primary nickel corner and amassed 746 snaps in 2025. He has inside-outside versatility and showcased his hip fluidity and sticky coverage on underneath routes from press. He helped set the tone with elite route recognition and his willingness as a run defender. Parrish nabbed two interceptions, seven passes defensed, two sacks, 76 combined tackles, seven tackles for loss and three quarterback hits. The cerebral rookie filled a variety of roles in the Bucs' secondary and solidified the unit.
Benjamin Morrison, the Bucs' second-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, earned playing time on the field prior to injuries that sidelined both Dean and McCollum. He produced 359 snaps this past season and squeezed deep routes. Morrison challenged high-point balls and displayed his lateral movement skills. He racked up four passes defensed, a fumble recovery, 26 combined tackles and two tackles for loss in 2025.
2026 Outlook: Zyon McCollum signed a contract extension prior to the start of the 2025 campaign and both Jamel Dean and Kindle Vildor, the latter of which played 164 snaps this past season, will be free agents in March. When healthy, Dean made a significant impact in the secondary for Tampa Bay, limiting some of the NFL's premier wideouts. The Bucs' brass will likely add depth at the position through free agency or the draft.
