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Benjamin Morrison

Summary

Benjamin Morrison was selected in the 2nd round (53rd overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay Buccaneers He played his college football at Notre Dame, where over three seasons he totaled 84 tackles, 27 passes defended, and 9 interceptions. https://www.wndu.com+2One Foot Down In his freshman year (2022), he recorded 6 interceptions, including a pick‑six vs. Clemson, and earned Freshman All-American recognition. The ObserverThat same competitive spirit led him to be named one of Notre Dame’s captains in 2024. One Foot Down Despite a hip injury that shortened his 2024 season, the Buccaneers saw him as a “first‑round talent” and value his versatility (outside, nickel), high football IQ, and physical play. Tampa Bay Buccaneers On and off the field, he’s praised for his maturity, competitive fire, and leadership. Bucs Nation

Strengths

  • Playmaking Instincts: Over his Notre Dame career, Morrison made 9 interceptions and displayed a natural ability to read quarterbacks and make big plays. https://www.wndu.com

  • Size + Length: At ~6′0″ and 190 lbs, he has a frame that helps in press coverage and contested situations. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Versatility in Coverage: Scouts and Bucs analysts note he can play both man and zone, and inside or outside, giving him scheme flexibility. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Physical Tackler / Run Support: Willing and capable in run‑defense; not afraid to come downhill and make tackles. Bucs Report

  • High Character / Competitiveness: The Bucs highlighted his “high‑character” nature during the draft; he played through adversity and served as a leader. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Resilience: Despite a serious hip injury, the Bucs believed in his recovery and upside enough to spend a Day 2 pick. On3

  • Ball Skills: Demonstrated strong hands, good ball-tracking, and the ability to make plays on contested throws. One Foot Down

Weaknesses

  • Injury Risk: Suffered a season‑ending hip surgery in 2024, which raises concerns about long-term hip health and flexibility. ESPN

  • Press Technique: May not have a dominant release off the line; could be jammed by bigger, physical receivers. Bucs Report

  • Change-of-Direction / Fluidity: At times, his hip fluidity and ability to mirror highly agile receivers could be challenged, especially post‑surgery.

  • Strength vs Physical Receivers: As a leaner DB, he may struggle in physical matchups or when tasked with blocking or tackling bigger players.

  • Experience Clip: While productive, his track record is relatively short (3 seasons) at a major program, and he will need to translate his college instincts fully to the pro game.

Fit & Outlook

Benjamin Morrison projects as a valuable, versatile cornerback for the Buccaneers. His ability to operate both in man and zone schemes, along with his size and playmaking instincts, makes him a potential starter on the outside or a key nickel presence. Tampa Bay’s front office values his versatility — they believe he can line up outside or in the slot, and his length allows him to match up well against a variety of receivers. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Looking ahead, his outlook is very promising. If his hip fully recovers, Morrison has the talent to become a long-term starter in the NFL. His ball-hawking ability gives him a high ceiling as a turnover machine, while his character and leadership suggest a high floor as a contributor. While there is risk due to injury, the Bucs clearly view him as a foundational piece in their secondary — one who can grow into a No. 1 or No. 2 corner, especially in sub-packages or high-leverage defensive looks.