In a recent article examining the most important second-year player for every NFL team, Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon pointed to Benjamin Morrison as a player Tampa Bay needs to emerge in 2026.
Gagnon’s reasoning is straightforward. Morrison entered the league with significant expectations after being selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but injuries limited his impact during his rookie season. After making only three starts and appearing in 10 games, Morrison enters his second year facing questions about both his health and his long-term role in the Buccaneers’ secondary.
Those questions have become even more important following the departure of veteran cornerback Jamel Dean. Tampa Bay no longer has the luxury of bringing Morrison along slowly. The expectation is that he will compete for a starting role opposite Zyon McCollum.
The rookie-year numbers show both the challenges and the opportunities ahead. According to PFF, Morrison played 360 defensive snaps in 2025 while allowing 23 receptions on 40 targets. He finished with three pass breakups and surrendered a 110.8 passer rating when targeted. His overall defensive grade came in at 47.0 as he worked through an injury-marred season.
The encouraging part for Tampa Bay is that Morrison’s evaluation was never expected to be based on his rookie year alone. The former Notre Dame standout entered the NFL with starting-caliber traits, strong ball skills, and the ability to play on the outside in Todd Bowles’ defense.
That is why Gagnon identified Morrison as such an important player for the Buccaneers heading into 2026. Tampa Bay invested heavily in rebuilding its defense this offseason with additions such as Rueben Bain Jr., Josiah Trotter, and Alex Anzalone. For that unit to take the next step, however, the secondary needs Morrison to stay healthy and develop into the starting cornerback the organization envisioned when it drafted him.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: The Bucs need a big season out of one player in their secondary
Reporting by Mason Riney, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
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By Mason Riney, Buccaneers Wire | USA TODAY Network
