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Notre Dame All-American CB Benjamin Morrison opts to enter the 2025 NFL Draft, but it isn’t without some potential risks

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ryan Roberts | Last updated Jan 23, 2025 6:04 PM ET

It was a career for the ages for Notre Dame All-American cornerback Benjamin Morrison, who finished his time in South Bend with 84 total tackles, nine interceptions, and 18 pass breakups in three seasons. Heading into the 2024 college football season, it felt like the last chapter in Morrison’s story had already been written. He was going to have yet another tremendous year, win a ton of football games, then head off to the NFL as a first round draft pick.

Unfortunately, Morrison’s season was cut short after six games due to a hip injury that required surgery. That left Morrison’s future in limbo momentarily, and brought up several questions about what the best course of action would be. Entering the draft was obviously still on the table, but would it be best for his long-term outlook?

After some back and forth, Morrison made the decision official on Thursday. He decided to enter the 2025 NFL Draft class, and chose to test his abilities as a part of a deep and talented 2025 cornerback group.

Forever Irish☘️ pic.twitter.com/v73phwr998
— Benjamin Morrison (@BMoe_21) January 23, 2025

When healthy, there isn’t a ton not to like about Morrison. He is one of the more consistent cover men in the 2025 class, possessing nice movement skills and a tremendous football IQ. Morrison has been battle-tested over the last couple of seasons, and for the most part, he has gotten the better in those matchups.

The question marks surrounding him are about his health. Not only is he still recovering from the hip injury, but Morrison also had preseason shoulder surgery as well. For a player whose main question mark centered around tackling and play strength, multiple injuries is a bit concerning.

Once viewed as a slam dunk first rounder, there is a lot less certainty around Morrison’s draft slot. Some believe the second round is probably the sweet spot if the medicals check out, but others believe Morrison could slide into the third round as well. It’s a bit of a guessing game right now.

Morrison is leaving South Bend as a legend but with one more year of eligibility remaining, would he have been better served coming back for one more year? Morrison is taking a slight gamble, and there is certainly risk involved. Only time will tell if it was the correct decision.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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