There is plenty of reason to be excited about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason.
Another strong draft class has been added to an already stout roster, and general manager Jason Licht was able to address immediate needs on the defensive side of the ball through the draft and free agency.
An impressive class of rookies are working out at One Buc Place this summer, including draft picks Emeka Egbuka, David Walker and Jacob Parrish, and free agent signing Haason Reddick.
But one rookie stands out as one to watch per Pro Football Focus, and that's second-round cornerback Benjamin Morrison.
"If he can prove he is fully healthy after undergoing season-ending hip surgery in 2024, Morrison could be a steal of a second-round pick," wrote the PFF writers. "During his three seasons at Notre Dame, he ranked 12th among qualified Power Four cornerbacks with an elite 90.5 PFF coverage grade. He also tied for third among that same group with nine interceptions.
"He may serve as a backup early on, but Tampa Bay’s lack of cornerback depth could push Morrison into an important role."
Morrison was a tremendous talent in college. The highest completion percentage he gave up was 38.5. He did have hip surgery and arthroscopic shoulder surgery last year, so injuries could be a concern. But if he can stay healthy, he'll fill a tremendous need for the Buccaneers.
Coach Todd Bowles said at the NFL Scouting Combine in February that he wanted "ballhawks" for his defense this year, and that's what Licht delivered with Morrison.