How Tampa Bay turned former Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison into a “one percenter” in the NFL Draft

Benjamin Morrison’s rise from a promising recruit at Notre Dame to one of the most highly touted cornerbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft is a testament to his work ethic, athletic ability, and the profound impact his development at Notre Dame had on his draft stock. However, it was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ vision for his potential and how they maximized his talents through their scouting process that truly solidified his status as a “one percenter” in the NFL Draft. This term, used to describe the top echelon of talent, refers to players whose skill sets and potential place them above and beyond the typical draft class. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how Tampa Bay’s scouts, coaches, and developmental staff helped turn Benjamin Morrison into a coveted draft pick and a future star at cornerback.

The Recruitment and Development at Notre Dame: A Foundation Built on Fundamentals

Benjamin Morrison was always destined to be a standout cornerback. From his high school days in Fairhope, Alabama, he was recognized as one of the top defensive back recruits in the nation. His recruitment to Notre Dame, one of the nation’s most prestigious football programs, was a crucial moment in his career.

At Notre Dame, Morrison immediately flashed his immense potential, starting as a freshman and making an immediate impact. By the end of his first season, he had become one of the most dynamic cornerbacks in college football. However, it wasn’t just his physical skills that set him apart; it was his football IQ and ability to anticipate plays that caught the eye of scouts.

Freshman Year: Showcasing Immediate Impact

In 2022, his freshman year, Morrison made an immediate mark by securing six interceptions, including a memorable 90-yard pick-six against Clemson. His ball skills, speed, and ability to read quarterbacks were unmatched for a player of his age. These qualities placed him firmly on the radar of NFL scouts.

Sophomore and Junior Seasons: Continued Growth and Refinement

Over the next two years, Morrison refined his craft. His 2023 sophomore season was just as impressive, where he showcased his ability to shut down elite receivers in the Big Ten and ACC. With over 30 tackles and three interceptions, he demonstrated that he could handle both physical and mental challenges in high-stakes games.

However, it was his final year at Notre Dame, marked by unfortunate injury setbacks, that cemented his status as an NFL prospect. Even though he played just six games in 2024 due to a hip injury, his performance up until that point, his leadership, and his adaptability continued to impress scouts. His maturity as a player and leader also drew attention from NFL teams looking for not only talent but a player with the mindset to succeed at the highest level.

Scouting Benjamin Morrison: The Developmental Blueprint

For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, selecting Morrison in the 2025 NFL Draft represented more than just securing an immediate starter. Tampa Bay’s coaching staff and front office were looking at his potential to thrive under the right developmental environment. The Buccaneers were not just interested in a cornerback; they sought a future cornerstone of their secondary.

1. A High Football IQ

The first factor that placed Morrison in the “one percenter” category was his football intelligence. This is a trait that is often overlooked but is vital to success at the cornerback position. Tampa Bay’s defensive coaches, known for their focus on intelligent, well-rounded players, valued Morrison’s high football IQ. His ability to process information quickly and make split-second decisions was one of the things that most impressed Buccaneers’ scouts.

Tampa Bay coaches recognized Morrison’s understanding of the game. His ability to read route concepts, adjust to offensive schemes, and his awareness of quarterbacks’ tendencies were standout attributes that marked him as an ideal fit for their defense.

2. The Perfect Fit for Tampa Bay’s Scheme

The Buccaneers, under head coach Todd Bowles, employ a multiple defensive scheme with both zone and man coverage principles. Morrison’s skill set was ideal for this approach. His quick feet, fluid hips, and ability to mirror receivers in man coverage made him an excellent fit for Tampa Bay’s defensive backfield. He could play a variety of roles: from being a traditional outside cornerback to covering the slot in nickel packages, providing the defense with great flexibility.

Moreover, Morrison’s ability to excel in zone coverage made him an even more enticing prospect. His understanding of space, timing, and anticipation in zone schemes enabled him to make game-changing plays. The Buccaneers, who value versatility and adaptability in their defensive backs, saw Morrison as a player who could seamlessly fit into their system while offering the potential to grow into an elite cornerback in the NFL.

3. Physical Tools and Athleticism

While Morrison’s football IQ was crucial, his physical attributes were also noteworthy. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing around 190 pounds, Morrison has the size to compete against larger receivers in the NFL. His length and ability to use his body to position himself effectively in coverage were assets that the Buccaneers’ scouts heavily valued.

Morrison also possesses impressive speed and agility, critical traits for a cornerback. His ability to close the gap between him and a receiver, combined with his exceptional acceleration, makes him a true threat to break up passes and even intercept the ball. Tampa Bay’s scouts recognized these traits and saw him as a player who could physically dominate in the NFL, with the potential to develop into an elite boundary corner.

Tampa Bay’s Developmental Influence: Building the “One Percenter”

What separated Morrison from other cornerbacks in the draft wasn’t just his raw talent, but how Tampa Bay’s developmental strategy would shape his future in the NFL. The Buccaneers had a clear plan for his progression and knew that with the right guidance, Morrison could evolve into a top-tier NFL cornerback.

Mentorship and Coaching

One of the most influential factors in Morrison’s transition to the NFL was the mentorship he would receive from veterans and coaches within the Buccaneers’ system. The Buccaneers already had a strong secondary, with players like Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum bringing both leadership and experience to the team. With such a strong group around him, Morrison would be positioned to learn from the best, accelerating his growth.

Tampa Bay’s defensive backs coach played a pivotal role in shaping Morrison’s fundamentals. His focus on refining Morrison’s technique—such as hand placement, footwork, and proper tackling form—was key in his development. The ability to improve on the finer details of his game, in addition to his natural athleticism, would help Morrison adapt to the speed and complexity of the NFL.

Specialized Coaching and Film Study

Morrison’s ability to watch and learn from game tape was a key part of his preparation for the NFL. Tampa Bay’s coaching staff emphasized the importance of film study, where Morrison would be able to break down opposing quarterbacks and receivers, learning their tendencies and weaknesses. His ability to apply that knowledge on the field was one of the reasons why he stood out during the combine and pre-draft evaluations.

The Buccaneers saw this high level of mental preparation as another key trait that would enable Morrison to excel at the professional level. They recognized his potential to become a leader in the secondary and a player who could elevate those around him.

Final Thoughts: A “One Percenter” on the Rise

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Benjamin Morrison in the 2025 NFL Draft, they didn’t just pick an athletic cornerback—they selected a player with the intelligence, physical tools, and work ethic to become one of the NFL’s elite players. By recognizing and nurturing his potential, the Buccaneers helped Morrison evolve from a highly promising college cornerback into a “one percenter,” a player whose skill set and mindset make him stand out from the rest of his draft class.

As he steps into the NFL, Morrison has the potential to become a cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ defense. His journey from Notre Dame to Tampa Bay represents the culmination of his hard work and the effective coaching and guidance that have helped turn him into one of the draft’s top cornerbacks. With the right development, Morrison’s future in the NFL looks incredibly bright.