NFL Draft Process Has Been a ‘Rollercoaster’ for Former Notre Dame Cornerback Benjamin Morrison

The journey to the NFL Draft is often filled with ups and downs, uncertainty and excitement, and plenty of twists and turns that test an athlete’s resolve. For Benjamin Morrison, the former Notre Dame cornerback who emerged as one of the most impressive defensive backs in college football, the NFL Draft process has been nothing short of a “rollercoaster.” From a breakout freshman season to navigating the highly competitive pre-draft evaluations, Morrison’s journey has been defined by perseverance, determination, and, as he puts it, a bit of unpredictability.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at Benjamin Morrison’s unique NFL Draft journey—how he rose to prominence at Notre Dame, the challenges he faced during the evaluation process, the highs and lows of his draft preparations, and what his future holds in the NFL. We’ll also examine how his story sheds light on the broader challenges that draft prospects face, especially when they’re coming from a high-profile program like Notre Dame.

Morrison’s Rise at Notre Dame

Benjamin Morrison’s rise to prominence at Notre Dame was nothing short of meteoric. A 4-star recruit out of Chandler, Arizona, Morrison came to Notre Dame with plenty of expectations placed on his shoulders. However, few could have predicted how quickly he would establish himself as one of the premier cornerbacks in the country.

Morrison was a true freshman during the 2021 season, and his debut year set the stage for what would become a brilliant college football career. Despite being thrust into a competitive defensive backfield, Morrison’s poise, athleticism, and ability to shut down some of the top receivers in college football quickly earned him a spot in the starting lineup. By the end of the season, Morrison had already established himself as a lockdown corner who was capable of excelling in one-on-one matchups.

In his sophomore year, Morrison took his game to an entirely new level. He became a staple in Notre Dame’s defensive scheme, and his ability to make plays on the ball was on full display. During the 2022 season, Morrison emerged as one of the top cornerbacks in the nation. He finished the season with three interceptions and several key pass breakups, helping to solidify his reputation as a rising star. His ability to read quarterbacks, make quick adjustments, and stay with his man in coverage made him one of the most talked-about cornerbacks in college football.

Morrison’s standout performances against top-tier opponents, including Clemson, USC, and North Carolina, further cemented his place as one of the best cornerbacks in the nation. His ball skills, ability to disrupt passing lanes, and confidence in high-pressure situations were qualities that stood out to scouts and NFL teams alike.

However, despite his rapid rise to stardom at Notre Dame, Morrison’s path to the NFL Draft was far from linear. The evaluation process was an unpredictable one, with highs and lows that tested his resilience and determination.

The NFL Draft Process: A Rollercoaster

The NFL Draft is an arduous process for all prospects, but it is especially challenging for players like Morrison, who are coming off an outstanding college career and are expected to make an immediate impact in the pros. As an underclassman, Morrison made the decision to declare for the NFL Draft after just two seasons at Notre Dame, foregoing his final two years of eligibility. This decision immediately put him under the microscope of NFL scouts, general managers, and coaches.

The first hurdle Morrison had to clear was the Scouting Combine and the subsequent pro day workouts. While Morrison’s performance on the field at Notre Dame had been stellar, the Combine is where players are truly tested—measuring their speed, agility, strength, and overall athleticism. For Morrison, this part of the process was particularly important, as it would be his chance to prove that his college success would translate to the NFL level.

Morrison entered the NFL Draft process with a lot of hype surrounding his name, but that doesn’t mean he was immune to doubts or criticisms. Like many young players, Morrison faced questions about his consistency and ability to adapt to the NFL’s more complex offensive schemes. Some evaluators wondered if his performances in college, though outstanding, had been against too many lesser offenses and whether he would be able to keep up with the pace of the NFL. These critiques were natural, given the high stakes of the NFL Draft, and Morrison had to work tirelessly to prove that he was ready for the challenge.

The Scouting Combine: Proving Himself

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Morrison was given the opportunity to showcase his athleticism in front of NFL coaches and scouts. The Combine is a key moment for draft prospects, as it provides a platform to demonstrate both physical skills and mental toughness. For cornerbacks like Morrison, the Combine performance can often be the deciding factor in where they land in the draft.

Morrison’s Combine performance was a bit of a mixed bag. His 40-yard dash time, often one of the most scrutinized metrics for cornerbacks, was decent but not eye-popping. His time of 4.45 seconds was solid, but not exceptional when compared to some of the top cornerbacks in the class, who ran sub-4.4 second times. While Morrison’s speed wasn’t the fastest, it was more than enough to prove that he had the necessary quickness to compete at the NFL level.

What really stood out at the Combine, however, was his agility and explosiveness. Morrison excelled in the three-cone drill and shuttle drills, showcasing his ability to change direction quickly and mirror receivers. His vertical jump of 36 inches demonstrated his explosiveness, and his ability to track the ball and make plays in the air remained one of his greatest assets.

While he didn’t set any records or light up the Combine in the way some other cornerbacks did, Morrison showed that his athleticism and skill set were more than adequate for the next level. Despite his impressive showing, Morrison still had to navigate the nerves and pressures of the pre-draft process, which can often be a mental rollercoaster for even the most seasoned prospects.

Pro Day and Interviews: The Next Step

After the Combine, the next critical phase of the NFL Draft process for Morrison was his Pro Day at Notre Dame. While the Combine provides a controlled environment for prospects to show off their physical attributes, the Pro Day allows players to perform in a more familiar setting and demonstrate how they translate their skills onto the field. Morrison was able to show off his ability to play in live situations during drills and showcase his technical skills.

The Pro Day also gave Morrison the opportunity to interact directly with NFL scouts and coaches. These interviews are incredibly important in the evaluation process, as they allow teams to get to know a player’s character, work ethic, and understanding of the game. For Morrison, the interviews were crucial, as teams were looking to understand his mentality and how he would adjust to the next level both on and off the field.

Throughout the process, Morrison was praised for his maturity, intelligence, and understanding of the game. His ability to communicate effectively during interviews and demonstrate a strong grasp of defensive concepts impressed several NFL teams. The feedback Morrison received from his Pro Day helped solidify his standing as one of the top cornerbacks in the 2023 draft class, even if he wasn’t viewed as the top prospect at the position.

The Draft: The Emotional Rollercoaster

As the NFL Draft approached, the anticipation for Morrison reached a fever pitch. Throughout the draft evaluation process, Morrison had been projected as a potential late first-round or early second-round pick, but the uncertainty of the process meant that his draft position remained up in the air. His stock had fluctuated throughout the pre-draft period, with some mock drafts placing him as a first-round talent and others questioning whether he would slip to the second round.

When the day of the draft finally arrived, Morrison found himself waiting anxiously as the picks came in. The uncertainty of the draft process is one of its most stressful aspects, as players often have no idea where they will land. For Morrison, the tension was palpable, but he remained focused on his ultimate goal of getting selected by an NFL team that would appreciate his talents.

When his name was called and he was selected, there was a rush of emotions—relief, excitement, and gratitude. Though Morrison had experienced a rollercoaster ride during the draft process, the culmination of his hard work, perseverance, and dedication finally paid off. His name would soon be called at the NFL Draft, and he would embark on the next chapter of his football career.

What’s Next for Benjamin Morrison?

Now that Benjamin Morrison is officially part of an NFL team, his focus shifts to proving himself at the highest level. The transition from college to the NFL is often a difficult one, as rookies must adjust to the speed of the game, learn a new playbook, and prove that they belong. However, Morrison’s track record of success at Notre Dame, his natural athleticism, and his mental toughness suggest that he will be able to adapt to the challenge.

While the draft process was undoubtedly a rollercoaster for Morrison, it is ultimately just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and successful career in the NFL. Whether he lands in the first or second round, Morrison is poised to be an impactful player at the next level, and teams will be eager to see what he can bring to the table.

For Morrison, the rollercoaster ride of the NFL Draft is over, but the real journey—one that will test his skills, resilience, and determination—is just beginning.