The NFL Draft is always an exciting time for football fans, and this year was no different. One of the most anticipated moments in the 2025 NFL Draft was the selection of Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With a strong college career and impressive skills on the field, Morrison’s selection represents a pivotal moment for both the player and the franchise. As the Buccaneers aim to build a competitive team for the future, Morrison’s arrival brings new energy and expectations to a defense that has historically been strong but is now in the process of a rebuild.
A Glimpse Into Benjamin Morrison’s Early Life and Football Career
Benjamin Morrison, born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, is a young athlete who began playing football at a young age. With natural athleticism and a strong desire to succeed, he quickly established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in his high school class. Morrison attended Brophy College Preparatory, where he dominated on the football field and earned national recognition for his talents.
Morrison’s ability to lock down receivers, along with his excellent anticipation and ball skills, made him a standout player. By the time he graduated, he was already considered one of the top recruits in the nation, and it wasn’t long before colleges across the country were offering him scholarships. Morrison’s high school performance earned him a place in prestigious all-star games and placed him firmly on the radar of college scouts.
Notre Dame: The Beginning of a Stellar College Career
Morrison’s commitment to Notre Dame in 2021 was a significant moment in his career. Known for its rich football tradition and its consistently competitive teams, Notre Dame provided Morrison with the platform to showcase his skills on a national stage. In his first season with the Fighting Irish, he didn’t disappoint. He quickly made a name for himself as a shutdown cornerback, showing off his speed, awareness, and ability to make game-changing plays.
Morrison’s rise to stardom continued in 2023, as he became one of the most talked-about cornerbacks in college football. His ability to lock down some of the top receivers in the nation while also making critical interceptions and tackles helped elevate him to the top of the draft boards for NFL scouts. With his combination of size, speed, agility, and football IQ, Morrison seemed destined for greatness at the next level.
Key Traits of Benjamin Morrison’s Playstyle
One of the standout features of Benjamin Morrison’s playstyle is his versatility. Whether lined up in man coverage or zone coverage, Morrison consistently demonstrated the ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and anticipate throws. His skill set allows him to effectively defend against both short routes and deep passes. In addition to his coverage skills, Morrison is a physical cornerback who isn’t afraid to step up in run defense and provide support in the tackling game. This makes him a well-rounded defensive back who can be relied upon in a variety of situations.
Morrison’s speed is another notable aspect of his game. He has the ability to keep up with fast wide receivers, and his quick burst allows him to make plays on the ball even when it appears out of reach. His ball-hawking ability is also exceptional. Whether it’s intercepting passes or forcing fumbles, Morrison has a knack for getting his hands on the football and creating turnovers. This is a crucial skill in today’s NFL, where turnover differential often dictates the outcome of games.
The cornerback also possesses a keen understanding of route recognition. He can quickly assess the movement of receivers and adjust his positioning accordingly, which allows him to stay a step ahead of the competition. This high football IQ is one of the reasons why scouts were so high on him entering the draft. Morrison’s ability to read plays and make smart decisions is something that will serve him well at the next level.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A New Chapter in a Growing Defense
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been a competitive force in the NFL for several years, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Known for their hard-hitting defense, the Buccaneers have consistently ranked among the league’s top teams in terms of total defense. However, with some of their key defensive players aging and the team undergoing a period of transition, the Buccaneers have focused on rebuilding their defense for the future.
The selection of Benjamin Morrison in the 2025 NFL Draft is a clear indication that the Buccaneers are focused on improving their secondary. The Buccaneers have long had one of the most feared defensive lines in the league, with players like Vita Vea anchoring the front seven. However, the cornerback position had become an area of concern in recent years, as the team struggled to consistently shut down opposing wide receivers.
Morrison’s arrival addresses this need directly. The Buccaneers are banking on his ability to come in and immediately make an impact. The team’s defensive coordinator, Todd Bowles, is known for his aggressive schemes, and Morrison’s skill set makes him a perfect fit. His ability to play both man and zone coverage gives Bowles the flexibility to use him in various schemes, whether he’s matched up against the opposing team’s top receiver or providing help in zone coverage.
The Buccaneers’ defense also features a number of strong pass rushers, and having a cornerback like Morrison on the back end of the defense can help maximize the effectiveness of the defensive line. With his ability to cover wide receivers tightly and create turnovers, Morrison will give Tampa Bay’s pass rushers more time to pressure the quarterback and potentially force mistakes.
Immediate Impact and Future Potential
Benjamin Morrison’s selection by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is an exciting development for both the player and the team. From the player’s perspective, the move represents an incredible opportunity to continue his growth as a professional athlete in the NFL. For the Buccaneers, Morrison’s arrival bolsters a defense that has already been competitive but needs a young, dynamic cornerback to help solidify the secondary.
In terms of immediate impact, Morrison is expected to compete for a starting job right away. The cornerback position is often one where rookies can make an immediate difference, and Morrison’s skill set and football IQ make him a prime candidate to see significant playing time in his first season. If he performs up to expectations, Morrison has the potential to become one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, helping the Buccaneers develop a young, talented defense for years to come.
Looking ahead, Morrison’s future in the NFL is bright. His blend of athleticism, intelligence, and physicality gives him all the tools needed to succeed at the highest level. If he continues to develop and refine his skills, he could become one of the cornerstones of the Buccaneers’ defense for the next decade. The combination of Morrison’s talents and the Buccaneers’ defensive system could lead to an exciting new era for the franchise.
The selection of Benjamin Morrison by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2025 NFL Draft marks the beginning of a new chapter for both the player and the team. Morrison’s talent, work ethic, and potential make him an exciting addition to the Buccaneers’ defense, and his ability to make an immediate impact could be a key factor in the team’s future success. As the Buccaneers look to build a championship-caliber team, having a young, dynamic cornerback like Morrison in their defensive backfield will be crucial. With his blend of physicality, intelligence, and playmaking ability, Benjamin Morrison has all the tools to become a star in the NFL, and the Buccaneers will be looking to him to lead their defense into the future.