As the excitement of Super Bowl 59 unfolds this Sunday, fans of both the NFL and college football are already looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft scheduled for April. The anticipation is palpable, especially for teams eager to find immediate impact players who can help them elevate their game for the upcoming season. A prime example of this is the Philadelphia Eagles, who have made significant strides thanks to their savvy selections in the 2024 NFL Draft, where they picked two cornerbacks that played a crucial role in their Super Bowl run.
Notre Dame’s Rising Stars
One college team that is generating buzz ahead of the draft is the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. After finishing as the National Championship runner-ups to the Ohio State Buckeyes, they have several players expected to be highly drafted. Among them, junior cornerback Benjamin Morrison is making headlines. His potential reunion with his former defensive coordinator, Al Golden, could be on the horizon.
Mock Draft Predictions
In a recent mock draft by CBS Sports, Morrison is projected to be selected 17th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals faced challenges in their secondary this past season, allowing an average of 223.5 yards and 25.5 points per game. The addition of Morrison could be just what they need to bolster their defense.
The Case for Morrison
Despite only appearing in six games this past season due to injury, Morrison’s talent has not gone unnoticed. CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli highlighted Morrison’s exceptional skills, stating, “If Morrison stayed healthy all year, I don’t think there’s any question that he’s a first-round pick. He’s an exceptional corner in coverage.” His ability to perform at a high level has many believing he could be a game-changer for whichever team selects him.
Comparisons to NFL Standouts
While some may question Morrison’s limited playing time, his previous seasons speak volumes. His freshman and sophomore years were nothing short of phenomenal. For context, look at former LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who burst onto the scene as a true freshman but faced some regression in subsequent seasons. Now, he stands as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL with the Houston Texans. Could Morrison follow a similar trajectory?
Looking Ahead to the Draft
As the NFL season wraps up, all eyes will be on the upcoming draft. Teams will be scouring the college ranks for players who can make an immediate impact, much like the Eagles did last year. The draft is an opportunity for franchises to reshape their rosters and build for the future. With players like Morrison on the board, the excitement is only set to grow.
The Importance of Defensive Talent
In today’s NFL, having a strong defense is paramount. Teams that can effectively defend the pass often find themselves in contention for championships. The Bengals, for instance, are keenly aware of this need. With Morrison’s potential, they could significantly improve their defensive capabilities. The prospect of pairing him with Al Golden, who knows his strengths and weaknesses, adds another layer of intrigue to this potential pick.
Final Thoughts
The NFL draft is not just about filling roster spots; it’s about finding the right players who can change the trajectory of a franchise. As we gear up for the draft, players like Benjamin Morrison are at the forefront of discussions. His journey from Notre Dame to the NFL could be a thrilling one, and fans will be watching closely to see where he lands. Will he be the key to a team’s defensive resurgence? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement surrounding the draft is just beginning.
