Former Notre Dame Fighting Irish star Benjamin Morrison entered the offseason with questions about his health after undergoing surgery on both hips during his final college season.
But according to Bucs general manager Jason Licht, Morrison was expected to be ready for training camp.
“He’s in a spot where I think he’s going to be full-go by…you know, he probably he could practice right now [in OTAs],” said Licht.
And now proven true, as he has been fully cleared and is taking first-team reps with the defense.
Morrison’s talent was never in doubt. What kept him from rising even higher in the draft was the concern about his long-term durability. So far, he’s continuing to make plays even when it looks like defeat.
A response that earned praise from coaches and teammates alike.
“Bucs rookie corner Benjamin Morrison continues to make plays — short pass to Mike Evans is complete but Morrison comes in and pokes the ball out, fumble out of bounds,” Greg Auman reported.
Morrison has held his own in multiple spots, including against the starters.
When asked about Morrison’s potential role, head coach Todd Bowles didn’t shy away from the idea that the rookie could push for meaningful time right away.
Bowles said the team is actively “toying with moving people around,” not just with Morrison but with fellow rookie Jacob Parrish as well. He added that, depending on matchups, they could rotate corners more than usual.
“Not that we are, but there is a chance we could,” Todd Bowles said, via SleeperTBBucs.
The Buccaneers already have veteran Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum locked into roles, but Morrison gives Tampa another long, athletic option on the outside. Parrish, who has flashed early in camp as well, is likely to contribute in nickel packages.
If Morrison stays healthy, there’s a very real chance Tampa opens the year with a four-man cornerback rotation that’s deeper and more flexible than it’s had in years.
If the hips hold up, Morrison might be one of the biggest steals of this draft class, and the Bucs are already treating him like someone they trust.
