Buccaneers Defensive Backs Looking To Break Out In Year 2
After shaky rookie campaigns, Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish aim to solidify Tampa Bay’s secondary. Now healthy and versatile, these rising stars are primed to transform the defense.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are counting on a pair of young defensive backs to take the next step after an 8-9 season in 2025 that ended without a playoff appearance. Despite the losing record, Tampa Bay’s defense remained one of the league’s strengths. The Buccaneers ranked fifth in the NFL in rushing defense, allowing 99.
1 rushing yards per game. However, the secondary struggled at times throughout the season, leading the organization to look toward the development of second-year defensive backs Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish. Tampa Bay selected Morrison out of University of Notre Dame with the 53rd overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Buccaneers later drafted Parrish out of Kansas State University with the 84th overall pick in the third round. During three collegiate seasons at Notre Dame from 2022-24, Morrison totaled 93 tackles, 18 passes defended and nine interceptions. He also dealt with a hip injury that sidelined him for much of his final college season in 2024.
Parrish recorded 108 tackles, 23 passes defended and five interceptions during his career at Kansas State from 2022-24. Video: New Bucs corners coach Rashad Johnson talks about the higher energy level they’re seeking with a younger defensive staff. pic.