Buccaneers Final Training Camp Practice Takeaways

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wrapped up training camp practices Wednesday with a joint practice with the Miami Dolphins ahead of their final preseason game Friday night.

Here are a few notable things that took place at the final practice:

WR Mike Evans' Birthday

The Buccaneers' star receiver Mike Evans turned 31 on Wednesday, but his age is no indication of him slowing down as a player. Evans had a very successful day at practice, continuing to further his chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield. I'm sure Evans is glad training camp is over as that is a present in itself and he can take a couple of weeks off before gearing up for the regular season. Some of the players welcomed Evans with a nice surprise:

CB Zyon McCollum shines

The third-year cornerback Zyon McCollum was a huge factor in the joint practice. He got things going early with a nice interception of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. He also got active during the two-minute drill session with a crucial pass breakup in the back of the end zone. McCollum is a projected starter for the team and is looking to take a big step this year which is crucial to the Bucs secondary's success.

A better showing than Jacksonville

Related: Bucs Preseason Week 3: Todd Bowles Looking For 'Continuity'

The Bucs did not have the best joint practices with the Jacksonville Jaguars last week looking very shaky at multiple positions. The secondary was not good in practice and that resulted in getting torched during the preseason game. The offensive starters were also unable to create big plays in last week's practice. This go around was much better, especially from the secondary, and Mayfield was connecting with his big-time receivers all morning for chunk plays including a nice deep competition to wide receiver Jalen McMillan.