If you are watching the Peacock documentary “Here Come the Irish” following Notre Dame throughout this season, you will see one of their captains being considered one of the top defensive prospects in this upcoming NFL Draft. Benjamin Morrison is on many people boards as one of the top cornerbacks behind Travis Hunter and Will Johnson.
Benjamin Morrison grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and became a four star CB prospect in the 2022 recruiting class. Choosing to go to Notre Dame, Benjamin quickly became one of the top defenders for the Irish and coach Marcus Freeman.
In 2022, Benjamin was a Freshman All-American finishing the season with 33 tackles (22 of them solo), 4 pass breakups, 1 tackle for loss, 6 interceptions, and a defensive touchdown. Last year, he had 31 tackles (25 of them solo), 3.5 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions and 10 pass break ups.
While this season was cut short due to injury, Benjamin still had an impact with 7 solo tackles and QB’s having a passer rating of 58.4 when throwing to him.
PLAYER INFO
Name: Benjamin Morrison
Jersey: 20
Position: CB
Class: Junior
School: Notre Dame
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 190
Benjamin Morrison’s STRENGTHS
Benjamin has lined up both in the slot and on the outside, showing his versatility. He is rarely out of place, as he has controlled backpedal and balance. He has solid speed, staying in the hip pocket of receivers down the field. He has solid short-area quickness, and solid lateral movement. Morrison has good football IQ, knowing when to react to the ball or how to get the receiver thrown off his route. He has good length and size for the position. Morrison can play both press and off coverage, which helps him when he is usually lined up against the opponent’s top receiver. He has 9 career interceptions, showing his knack for getting an interception to help out his team.
Benjamin Morrison’s WEAKNESSES
He suffered a recent season ending hip injury, so teams will have to look at the medicals when looking at him. Even though he has solids size for the position, he could struggle against some of the bigger more physical wide receivers in the NFL. He can struggle disengaging from blockers in the run game, even though he shows a willingness in the run game.
DRAFT PROJECTION
I believe Benjamin Morrison is a mid to late first round pick. He is a very consistent corner who can play both in the slot and on the outside (I believe he is better on the outside), and doesn’t have any significant flaws in his game. His hip injury could hurt his draft stock but I believe he won’t fall far, maybe into the early 2nd round.
Some draft fits for Morrison:
- Indianapolis Colts: The Colts don’t invest that often early in the CB position but they do not have a true number one CB on the roster
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tampa’s secondary has been underwhelming this season so it makes sense to invest in a position that was a strength when Tom Brady was in town
- Green Bay Packers: Eric Stokes hasn’t been on the field consistently due to injury, and CB is one of the few needs that the Packers should invest in with the draft
