Benjamin Morrison, a standout cornerback from Notre Dame, expressed deep relief and gratitude upon being drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, despite facing a challenging season marked by a hip injury. Initially projected as a first-round pick, Morrison was selected 53rd overall, leading to an emotional response as he thanked the team's head coach, Todd Bowles.

Morrison's journey has been fraught with uncertainty, especially during his recovery from surgery. Comparatively, his father, Darryl Morrison, who played in the NFL, shared insights about Coach Bowles, reinforcing his belief in the Buccaneers' supportive environment. Morrison's collegiate success, including six interceptions in his freshman season, positions him as a key asset for a Buccaneers secondary that struggled in recent years.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, under the direction of general manager Jason Licht, have set their sights firmly on bolstering their defense in this year's NFL Draft. Their first-round pick raised eyebrows when they selected Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, but Licht quickly shifted focus to filling gaps in the secondary by drafting Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison with the No. 53 overall pick.

Despite concerns regarding Morrison's injury history, including two hip surgeries, Licht is optimistic about his recovery. He mentioned on The Pat McAfee Show that Morrison is already close to practicing, emphasizing the team's commitment to managing his return carefully. Morrison's college performance showcased his potential, allowing a mere 38.5% completion rate, indicating his capability to excel defensively if he can stay healthy.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a splash in this year's NFL Draft, securing what many are calling one of the best classes. A standout selection was cornerback Benjamin Morrison, who was drafted in the second round despite being viewed as a first-round talent. Morrison's history of hip and shoulder surgeries raised concerns, causing him to slip in the draft. However, he asserts that these injuries are overstated and won't affect his performance. His pre-draft workouts were hampered by poor timing but signal he possesses the skills to thrive as an outside cornerback in the NFL, fitting seamlessly into the Buccaneers' secondary.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made key additions in the 2025 NFL Draft, particularly focusing on their wide receiver and defensive back positions. First-round pick Emeka Egbuka is expected to carve out a significant role as a wide receiver, joining an already talented group that includes Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. Although Jalen McMillan has shown promise, Egbuka's polished skill set gives him an edge to make an immediate impact in Week 1.

Additionally, Benjamin Morrison, another first-round selection, is poised to step into the cornerback position following Tykee Smith's transition to safety. Despite dealing with a hip injury that affected his draft stock, Morrison possesses top-tier talent that could see him start right away for the Buccaneers, showcasing the team's commitment to bolstering their defensive capabilities.