A move that might have major implications for both Notre Dame and the 2025 NFL Draft: Benjamin Morrison declaring. The Fighting Irish’s star cornerback has officially announced his declaration for the draft.
Benjamin Morrison Landing Spots
After a season impacted by a major injury, Morrison is ready to take the next step in his football career. The 6’0″, 190-pound defensive back’s decision to leave college for the professional ranks comes despite missing a significant portion of the 2023 season due to a hip injury that required surgery.
Nonetheless, Morrison remains a top-tier prospect with strong draft potential, and experts, including ESPN’s Mel Kiper, are high on his chances. Kiper currently lists Morrison as the 20th overall player on his 2025 draft board.
MORE: 2025 NFL Draft Ultimate Top 300 Big Board
In an emotional message posted on Instagram, Morrison shared his gratitude for the time spent at Notre Dame: “Thank you to my coaches, teammates, and fans for all the support. This journey has been incredible, and I’m excited for the next chapter.” Along with the post, he shared a personal video, reflecting on his growth as both a player and a person during his time in South Bend.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, several teams are expected to show interest in Morrison.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ pass defense ranked among the worst in the league this season, allowing a staggering 4,464 passing yards, the third-most in the NFL.
With Zyon McCollum leading the cornerback group, the team could benefit from adding a player like Morrison, who could step in immediately and be an upgrade at the position. Morrison’s ability to play both physical and disciplined football would be invaluable in a secondary that has struggled against elite passing attacks.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are another team that could target Morrison, especially with their cornerback group in flux. Following the trade of Diontae Johnson to Carolina and the struggles of Donte Jackson, the Steelers could look to bring in a young corner to pair with Joey Porter Jr. and strengthen their defense. Morrison’s leadership and skill set could make him a key piece of Pittsburgh’s defensive future.
Minnesota Vikings
Despite the offensive firepower led by Justin Jefferson, the Vikings’ defense has been underwhelming, allowing the fourth-most passing yards in the NFL. Adding a player like Morrison would immediately improve the Vikings’ secondary.
His experience facing elite competition in the Big Ten, coupled with his ball skills, would make him a valuable asset in a defense that needs a shutdown corner.
Throughout three seasons on the Fighting Irish defense, Morrison accumulated 84 tackles, 18 pass breakups, nine interceptions, and one touchdown. His freshman season was particularly impressive, as he finished with six picks, ranking third nationally.
This performance earned him recognition on several freshman all-American teams, including selections from respected outlets like On3, College Football News, and The Athletic.
KEEP READING: Where Does Morrison Land in Our 2025 NFL Draft CB Rankings?
Following up on that standout debut, Morrison continued to refine his skills during his sophomore and junior seasons, becoming a leader in the Notre Dame secondary.
His improvement over the years, combined with his on-field leadership, led to his appointment as team captain in 2023. His play on the field earned him a spot on the Preseason All-American Teams of both USA Today and Associated Press.
Additionally, Morrison was a Thorpe Award semifinalist, which recognizes the best defensive back in college football. His leadership was also acknowledged when he received the Notre Dame Knute Rockne Student-Athlete Engagement Award — an honor that reflects his excellence as both an athlete and a student.
Benjamin Morrison’s NFL Draft Profile
Morrison’s combination of athleticism, football IQ, and ball-hawking ability positions him as one of the best cornerbacks available. His strong frame and physicality allow him to match up well against NFL-caliber receivers.
Strengths
- Morrison’s ability to track and intercept the ball is one of his most remarkable attributes. With nine career INTs and 27 PBUs, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to make game-changing plays. His knack for creating turnovers makes him an immediate asset to any team.
- Morrison has the physicality to compete with the most aggressive and talented wide receivers in the NFL. His size and strength enable him to be an effective and disruptive force in both man and zone coverage.
- As a team captain, Morrison exhibited leadership both on the field and in the locker room. His ability to inspire his teammates will be valuable to the NFL’s success.
- Morrison is a versatile cornerback who can excel in multiple defensive schemes, whether in man coverage or zone. His adaptability gives him the ability to fit into various defensive systems.
Weaknesses
- The hip injury that ended his 2023 season will be a focal point in pre-draft evaluations. Teams will want to ensure that Morrison has fully recovered and that his injury will not impact his long-term health and durability.
- While Morrison has been a dynamic playmaker, there have been moments where his consistency has been called into question. Teams will want to see him improve his coverage techniques and decision-making, especially in high-pressure situations.
- Morrison still has room to refine his technique. Though he has impressive physical tools, improving his footwork, hand placement, and ability to read offenses will be essential for his success at the NFL level.
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