The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have selected defensive back Benjamin Morrison out of Notre Dame with the 53rd pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
From top prospect to defensive stalwart, Morrison’s journey echoes his dad Darryl’s route to the NFL. Despite a 2024 season cut short by injury, Morrison’s three-year stint in South Bend – marked by 26 starts against top-tier opponents – proves he’s been battle-hardened by the best.
At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles expressed his desire to acquire “ballhawks” – players with a knack for intercepting passes and creating turnovers – to strengthen the team’s defense.
In line with Coach Bowles’ vision, the Buccaneers held a meeting with Benjamin Morrison at the NFL Scouting Combine. Morrison was a highly touted defensive prospect in this year’s draft.
Via Sports Illustrated’s River Wells,
“Notre Dame CB Benjamin Morrison says he’s had a formal meeting with the Buccaneers — he says that the meeting went well and that they talked about his dad, who played with the Buccaneers in the NFL”
Wells continued,
“A correction here — Morrison is referring strictly to Todd Bowles. Benjamin’s dad Darryl played with Bowles in Washington in 1993.”
Morrison on his meeting,
“Obviously, just the opportunity to be in front of a coaching staff such as them was special. You dream of these situations. It was a cool little coincidence. I didn’t know my dad actually played with [Todd Bowles],” Morrison said. It was a good interview. I was excited for that one, understanding their needs and stuff.”
The connection between Morrison and Bowles runs deep. This is because Morrison’s father, Darryl, played safety alongside Bowles in Washington during the early 1990s. This familiar tie likely helped spark a meaningful conversation between Bowles and the younger Morrison at the combine in Indianapolis.
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