Live Report: Mel Kiper Jr. Tips Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison as Vikings’ First-Round Pick
The Minnesota Vikings may be targeting their secondary in the upcoming draft, as Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN’s renowned draft expert, predicts they’ll select Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison with the No. 24 overall pick in his first 2025 NFL Mock Draft.
Kiper’s Insight on the Vikings’ Secondary
“Minnesota has big-time cornerback questions,” Kiper explained. “All three starters—Stephon Gilmore, Shaquill Griffin, and slot corner Byron Murphy Jr.—are free agents, along with backup Fabian Moreau. Even though the Vikings led the NFL in interceptions with 24, they may need to rebuild their CB room in the draft.”
Kiper is confident Morrison can fill the void:
“Morrison missed most of 2024 with a hip injury, but he’s a top-tier cover man. He has sound technique and the ball skills to keep Minnesota’s INT total high. Across his career, Morrison tallied nine interceptions and 21 pass breakups—a testament to his ability to impact games at a high level.”
Benjamin Morrison: A Proven Playmaker
Morrison made waves as a true freshman at Notre Dame in 2022, hauling in six interceptions and establishing himself as one of college football’s top young defenders. The Phoenix native followed up with another standout season in 2023, recording:
- 3 interceptions
- 10 passes defended
- 4 tackles for loss
Though Morrison’s 2024 campaign was cut short by a hip injury, his résumé over 31 games is undeniable. At 6-foot-0, he combines size, athleticism, and coverage prowess with a physicality that makes him effective against the run.
PFF statistics back his reputation as a shutdown corner, as Morrison allowed just 59 receptions on 129 targets in coverage and a passer rating of 44.1.
Kiper ranks Morrison in the CB3 conversation behind top-ten prospects Travis Hunter (Colorado) and Will Johnson (Michigan) and alongside other standouts like Jahdae Barron (Texas) and Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina).
Vikings’ Secondary in Flux
Cornerback is a pressing need for the Vikings heading into the offseason. With all four top corners from 2024 entering free agency, Minnesota’s depth chart is paper-thin. The only starter under contract is Mekhi Blackmon, a 2023 third-round pick who missed the entire 2024 season with a torn ACL.
Depending on free agency moves, adding a player like Morrison could be critical for a defense aiming to stay competitive in the NFC.
Other Potential Picks in Kiper’s Mock Draft
Kiper had other intriguing names on the board for Minnesota’s pick, including Alabama guard Tyler Booker (No. 16) and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty (No. 20). He also noted defensive tackles Walter Nolen (Ole Miss) and Kenneth Grant (Michigan) as possible late-first-round options.
The Vikings’ choice to focus on Morrison highlights their commitment to rebuilding a secondary that played a pivotal role in their 2024 interception success.
Stay Tuned
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Vikings’ moves in free agency will determine whether they focus on cornerback or pivot to other areas of need.
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