Benjamin Morrison, the highly touted rookie out of Notre Dame, is already getting hyped for what he could be for the team, and veteran Jamel Dean should be feeling the pressure. With Dean’s recent injury history and declining consistency, Morrison’s rise could force a shake-up in the Bucs’ secondary sooner than many expected.
Jamel Dean has been a solid contributor for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 2019, known for his size, speed, and ability to hold his own in man-to-man coverage.
However, the last two seasons have been a struggle. He’s missed time with toe injuries, a concussion, and lingering lower-body issues that have limited both his availability and effectiveness. Dean appeared in just 11 games last season and was noticeably inconsistent when on the field, particularly against faster receivers. At age 28 and with multiple injuries stacking up, Dean’s grip on a starting role is no longer set in stone, especially not with a talented rookie in Morrison being drafted in the second round of the 2025 draft.
Benjamin Morrison wasn’t just one of the best cornerbacks in college football; he was also one of the smartest and most instinctive. At Notre Dame, he showcased elite ball skills, clean footwork, and awareness for route concepts that often made him look like a veteran.
If he continues on this trajectory, it’s not hard to imagine head coach Todd Bowles making a change, especially if Dean isn’t fully healthy or struggles early in the regular season. Bowles has a history of trusting young defensive backs who prove themselves in practice, and Morrison is clearly on that track. This isn’t just about depth, it’s about the future. The Buccaneers didn’t draft Benjamin Morrison to sit, but his health will be a big factor in determining when he can make the impact they are hoping to get out of him.
If Jamel Dean can’t stay healthy or sharp, Benjamin Morrison could move into the starting lineup before the Bye Week.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Could a Buccaneers rookie takeover for a veteran starter on defense?
Reporting by Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
