Due to an injury, Notre Dame standout cornerback Benjamin Morrison was passed over in the NFL draft, but he might be one of the weekend’s best deals.

The NFL Draft is always full of surprises. With teams making tough decisions about whom to select based on a combination of talent, potential, and need, some players inevitably fall through the cracks, either due to injury, a down year, or simply being overshadowed by others. One of the most notable stories of this year’s draft is that of Benjamin Morrison, a standout cornerback for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Despite being one of the most promising defensive backs in college football, Morrison found himself passed over in the 2025 NFL Draft after an injury marred his final season at Notre Dame. But don’t be fooled—Morrison might just be one of the best bargains of this draft weekend.

The Rise of Benjamin Morrison

Benjamin Morrison’s college football career was nothing short of exceptional. A product of the famed Notre Dame football program, Morrison became a household name after his sensational performances as a freshman. By the end of his first season, he had recorded six interceptions, leading the Irish’s secondary and earning Freshman All-America honors. His ball-hawking ability and shutdown skills made him an early candidate for top NFL draft boards.

In his sophomore year, Morrison continued his trajectory as one of the nation’s best cornerbacks. He finished the season with three interceptions and a team-high ten pass breakups, proving his versatility and ability to excel in both man and zone coverage. His performance was so strong that by the end of the season, he had already established himself as a potential first-round pick. Scouts raved about his ability to cover wide receivers with ease, his smooth footwork, and his impeccable ability to track the ball.

With all this success, Morrison was expected to be one of the top defensive backs in the 2025 NFL Draft. Many experts pegged him as a top-10 pick—perhaps even a top-5 pick if he continued to progress in his junior year.

The Injury That Changed Everything

However, as is often the case in college football, injuries can derail the careers of even the brightest stars. In October 2024, during a game against Stanford, Morrison suffered a hip injury that would end his season prematurely. The injury was significant enough that it required surgery and left many questioning his long-term durability.

NFL scouts, who had previously been enamored with Morrison’s potential, were suddenly concerned about whether he could ever return to his prior form. Questions about his mobility and the timeline for recovery overshadowed his strong previous seasons. Teams that had once viewed him as a potential top pick were now uncertain about whether he would be able to contribute in the short term, or if he would ever return to the level he had shown before his injury.

This uncertainty led to Morrison being passed over by teams during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite his talent, the injury pushed him down many teams’ draft boards. As the draft proceeded into the second round, teams with fewer immediate needs or those with higher confidence in Morrison’s recovery began to take a closer look.

The Unlikely Bargain

While most eyes were focused on other players, one team saw an opportunity to grab a player who, prior to the injury, was widely regarded as a first-round talent. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took a calculated risk, selecting Benjamin Morrison in the second round with the 53rd overall pick.

On paper, this pick could end up being one of the best deals of the entire draft. Morrison’s skills as a cornerback are well-documented—he has excellent ball skills, incredible awareness in coverage, and the ability to make plays when it matters most. In addition to his impressive interception numbers, Morrison’s ability to defend in both zone and man coverage makes him a versatile asset in any defensive scheme.

While his injury may have raised red flags for some, the Buccaneers have taken a chance on a player with immense upside. If Morrison returns to form and proves that his injury is behind him, he could develop into a top-tier cornerback, and the Buccaneers will have a foundational piece for their secondary at an absolute bargain price.

Morrison’s Resilience and Dedication

One of the most promising aspects of Morrison’s story is his resilience and dedication to returning to top form. During his recovery, Morrison stayed closely involved with his Notre Dame teammates, showing his leadership skills despite being sidelined. Head coach Marcus Freeman praised Morrison for his commitment to the team, noting that the cornerback’s attitude remained positive even during his rehabilitation.

Morrison’s injury may have limited his opportunities on the field, but it did nothing to dampen his determination to return stronger. In fact, many of his coaches and teammates have emphasized that Morrison’s work ethic has only strengthened since his injury. This kind of dedication speaks volumes about his character, and NFL teams that pass on a player like Morrison may regret it in the long run.

The NFL Fit: Why Benjamin Morrison Makes Sense for the Buccaneers

For the Buccaneers, adding Morrison to their roster makes a lot of sense. While the team already has a solid defense, they’ve been looking to build a secondary that can compete against some of the league’s top wide receivers. Morrison’s skills give Tampa Bay flexibility in how they deploy him. Whether he slots in as an outside cornerback or moves into the slot, his ability to play both positions means he can contribute in multiple ways.

Furthermore, the Buccaneers can afford to be patient with Morrison’s development. Unlike teams with immediate needs at cornerback, the Buccaneers are in a position to allow Morrison time to fully recover and regain his form. If he’s able to get back to the level he was at prior to his injury, he could quickly become a key player in Tampa Bay’s defense.

Looking Ahead: Morrison’s Path to Success

While Morrison was passed over by many teams due to his injury, he has the tools to prove the doubters wrong. Cornerback is a position where development is crucial, and a player’s growth isn’t always linear. But Morrison’s college film, combined with his commitment to returning to form, suggests that he has the potential to be a major contributor at the NFL level.

If the Buccaneers can get a fully healthy Morrison, they will have a cornerback who can excel in coverage and make plays all over the field. While it’s possible he won’t start immediately, given the depth in the Buccaneers’ secondary, there’s a good chance he’ll make an impact sooner rather than later.

In the end, Benjamin Morrison’s fall to the second round might end up being one of the best draft deals of the weekend. His injury concerns may have caused him to be passed over by many teams, but his talent, leadership, and work ethic remain undeniable. If Morrison can return to his pre-injury form, the team that takes a chance on him will reap the rewards of having one of the best cornerbacks in the draft at a much lower price than they originally expected.

For now, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will likely look back on this pick as one of their best moves in recent years. While the injury was a setback, it may very well turn into an opportunity to grab an elite player at a fraction of the cost. The NFL’s draft is full of risk and reward, and with Benjamin Morrison, the reward could be immense.