Buccaneers Defensive Backs Looking To Break Out In Year 2
· Yahoo Sports
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.
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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.twitter.com/9Dgb7EqzSS
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) May 19, 2026
Morrison appeared in 10 games during his rookie season with Tampa Bay, finishing with 26 tackles and three pass breakups. Parrish carved out a larger role in the secondary, starting multiple games at nickel cornerback and recording 76 tackles, two interceptions, two sacks and seven passes defended.
“Ben (Morrison) is elite with his skill set, with what he has,” Tampa Bay cornerbacks coach Rashad Johnson told Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com. “He’s a long body, he’s twitchy, can play man-to-man. We kind of thought that things may be how they were his first year, understanding the significance of the injury, how it was an ongoing thing.”
Johnson added that Morrison has looked healthy during the offseason program and has continued progressing mentally within the defense. He also highlighted Parrish’s versatility and understanding of the defensive system.
Here’s cornerbacks coach Rashad Johnson on Jacob Parrish bouncing outside this year — he says his mental fortitude will allow him to do it well.
— River Wells (@riverhwells) May 19, 2026
“Jacob’s skillset is elite.” pic.twitter.com/HFfyzmZTFn
“Jacob’s (Parrish) skill set is elite,” Johnson said. “He’s a guy that can play inside, he’s a guy that can play outside. Number one would be just his mental capacity. This defense isn’t like, ‘Hey, open up a book and it’s A-B-C-D.’ It’s got some complexities to it, and this guy can manage those complexities.”
The Buccaneers will likely need increased contributions from both players in 2026 after offseason departures in the secondary. Cornerback Jamel Dean signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, while defensive back Christian Izien joined the Detroit Lions.
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