Odds of draft CB Benjamin Morrison increasing?

[BoomerFan]

The reasoning being, we just hired Al Golden and Ben Morrison played for him at Notre Dame. Of course we have needs elsewhere (Dline, OGuard, WR) and you could argue we don't need another CB, especially if we bring back Mike Hilton and Dax Hill stays at his current position. Then you have CTB or DJ Turner opposite him, with Josh Newton and DJ Ivey as backups. That's six and you could always bring back Jalen Davis if need be. That said, Benjamin Morrison could be better than all of those guys. He can play both slot and outside and is strong in run support (will likely get even stronger as he adds muscle in the NFL). And fixing our secondary is a big need. I'm not against carrying 7 at CB (and 26 on defense total) if it means we have some depth their as well.

His 2024 season was cut short due to a hip injury that required surgery but still projects as mid to late first round, basically near where we pick.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10135862-benjamin-morrison-nfl-draft-2025-scouting-report-for-notre-dame-cb

Quote:HEIGHT: 6'

WEIGHT: 190

POSITIVES

— Smooth athlete with good short-area quickness and lateral movement. He plays with a fluid backpedal and controlled balance.

— In coverage, he keeps very good leverage and positioning on receivers. As he works downfield he squeezes off their lane and looks to attack the ball.

— Has shown flexibility in playing both outside and slot cornerback positions.

— Shows the necessary timing and ball skills to decipher what is needed at the high point when playing the ball.

— Shows good physicality and willingness to set the edge and get involved in the run game.

NEGATIVES

— Morrison can be inconsistent with his transitions, giving up separation. He can also be bumped off the top of routes at times.

— Lacks ideal closing speed when giving a step or two.

— Morrison can get antsy in zone coverage. He looks for big plays and can lose threats in his zone.

2024 STATISTICS

— 6 Games, 20 Tackles, 4 PBU

NOTES

— Born Mar. 11, 2004

— Games Started: 26

— 4-Star recruit in the 2019 class, per 247 Sports

— 2024 Injured his hip in week 7 against Stanford. Required hip surgery that kept him out the remainder of the season.

— 2023 First-Team All-Independent; Independent Cornerback of the Year

— 2022 First-Team All-Independent; Freshman All-American; Independent Cornerback of the Year