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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are ready to dominate the NFC South once again during the 2025 NFL season. Tampa has controlled the NFC South for several seasons in a row, both under Tom Brady and now Baker Mayfield. Unfortunately, it did not lead them to much postseason success in 2024.
The Buccaneers have done everything in their power to get better this offseason. They re-signed Chris Godwin on a three-year, $66 million extension that should keep the offense as dangerous as ever. Tampa also made a risky move by adding edge rusher Haason Reddick, who flamed out in New York over a contract dispute.
Tampa doubled down on the team’s strengths during the 2025 NFL Draft. The Buccaneers added WR Emeka Egbuka in the first round, giving them enviable depth at the position. They also created more depth at cornerback, edge rusher, and wide receiver with their Day 2 and Day 3 picks. Tampa looks insulated from injury and ready to make some noise during the 2025 season.
The Buccaneers have already had a chance to see their young rookies in action at minicamp and OTAs. Some of those rookies are already making their presence felt.
But which player is showing off during the team’s OTAs? And does a strong performance during OTAs have any bearing on a large role during the regular season?
Below we will explore one Buccaneers rookie who is turning heads during OTAs.
Benjamin Morrison is one of the biggest X-factors from Tampa’s 2025 rookie class.
The Buccaneers drafted Morrison in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Morrison fits a huge need for Tampa, as their future at the position is unclear.
What makes Morrison such an interested prospect to consider is his injury history. Morrison suffered a season-ending hip injury during his final season at Notre Dame. The injury occurred in October, which made some NFL scouts question whether Morrison could be ready for the 2025 season.
Some have called the selection of Morrison a risky move as a result.
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles was optimistic about Morrison getting on the field back in May.
“I think he’s okay. I just think he has to get in shape now so we have to monitor where he is as far as what kind of program he needs but I think he’ll be fine,” Bowles told reporters last month. “We’re really looking forward to having him at training camp but if he can come out and do some things in OTAs, that would be a big bonus.”
Morrison’s snaps at practice increased throughout the month of may. He made his impact known during 7-on-7s and did not look very rusty, which is shocking considering his lengthy recovery.
The real test for Morrison will come during training camp and the preseason when he goes up against veteran NFL players.
But Buccaneers fans are right to be encouraged by Morrison’s relatively speedy recovery from his hip...
