Who plays outside corner?
Joe doesn’t think Aaron Schatz is off his rocker. And just maybe, KitKat-eating Bucs coach Todd Bowles would agree.
Just before the draft, Bowles stated publicly the Bucs needed multiple new corners by training camp.
Well, the Bucs drafted (nickel) corner Keionte Scott. One is not two.
Aaron Schatz, the inventor of DVOA and former publisher of Football Outsiders (RIP), typed a piece for BSPN on the biggest hole on each team’s roster.
For the Bucs, Schatz didn’t have to think too hard. It’s cornerback.
Outside cornerback depth
The Buccaneers have plenty of options in the slot. Tykee Smith was a nickel a couple of seasons ago, Jacob Parrish was a nickel in 2025 and fourth-round rookie Keionte Scott is a great nickel/safety hybrid addition.
But what happens if there’s an injury to one of the starting outside cornerbacks, either Zyon McCollum or Benjamin Morrison?
Zyon McCollum, not Jamel Dean, should have been the odd man out. McCollum was awful last year yet it was Dean who the Bucs let walk out the door to Pittsburgh.
Unlike Dean, McCollum is still under contract. As always, follow the money.
(Thinking of the Bucs letting their best corner, Dean, just up and leave, reminds Joe of a Raheem Morris quote. “I’ll tolerate you until I can replace you.”)
Joe would move Jacob Parrish to outside corner. He was the Bucs’ best rookie last year, from Week 1 through Week 18. Bowles often says Parrish can play outside. OK then, move him and let Scott take over at nickel.
At the other corner position, should Benjamin Morrison be gifted a starting job? Did his play last year suggest he’s earned that? So almost by default, McCollum likely will retain his starting job unless Morrison fully blows up in training camp.
But Schatz is right. If Parrish goes down, the Bucs better have an edge rush; otherwise, it’s going to be a jailbreak.