Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft was emotionally filled as Notre Dame CB Benjamin Morrison, who had earlier been projected as a first-round pick by various mock drafts, saw his journey to the pros take a significant step.
His path had been anything but smooth, as he was sidelined by a severe hip injury that halted his 2024 season after only six games. Tonight, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers called his name in the second round, and the 6’0.25″ and 193-pound defensive back could not hold back his tears as his hard work finally paid off.
Despite Injury Setbacks, Benjamin Morrison’s Emotional Draft Process Ends Night 2 of 2025 NFL Draft
Benjamin Morrison’s rise to fame started at Notre Dame, where he cemented his place as one of college football’s foremost DBs. Starting in 2022 as a freshman, he became the cynosure of all eyes with six interceptions, showcasing his game-impacting role.
His sophomore year wasn’t bad either, with three interceptions and 10 pass breakups, clearly earning him a spot as a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist.
By the start of the 2024 season, fate had other plans for him. On October 18, 2024, his coach, Marcus Freeman, broke the sad news that Morrison had suffered a hip injury that required season-ending surgery. Of course, it was a devastating blow for a player who had been a model of consistency.
Worsening matters, he had already missed a game earlier in the season due to a shoulder injury. Hence, the hip injury further plummeted his ability to perform in his final year. His stats lagged compared to his previous seasons.
While Morrison’s season was over, his fight was just beginning. Determined to prove his worth in football, he devoted himself to rehabilitation with the same energy that had made him a standout in previous seasons. The surgery, while successful, required a grueling process.
Notre Dame CB Benjamin Morrison’s reaction to getting drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ⬇️
🎥: Karson Hobbs / IG pic.twitter.com/wDUvsVwog2
— Luciano Antonini (@LucciAntonini) April 26, 2025
For Tampa Bay, the selection of Morrison was a calculated risk but comes with high upside. The team, no doubt, had a history of success with mid-round picks, with Pro Bowlers like Tony Mayberry and Kwon Alexander in the fourth round.
Morrison’s skill made him a perfect fit for the Buccaneers’ defensive scheme, though his injury history is another point of consideration.
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For Morrison, his journey to the pros has been anything but straightforward. Given his age and skill set, Morrison’s story is far from over. With a new team behind him, he will be more than ready to write the next chapter of his career.
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