Two Notre Dame football standouts land in recent 2025 NFL mock draft, including a huge surprise

On Tuesday, the staff at A to Z Sports released their first 2025 NFL collaborative mock draft of the season so far. Projecting out the top 32 selections, there were some fits that many have forecasted, some huge surprises, and several fits that not many people have thought about. Among those selected, we saw two […]

Ryan Roberts National College Football Writer
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Notre Dame corner back Benjamin Morrison (20) and linebacker Jaiden Ausberry (4) tackle Stanford running back Chris Davis Jr. (5) during a NCAA college football game between Notre Dame and Stanford at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in South Bend.
MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK

On Tuesday, the staff at A to Z Sports released their first 2025 NFL collaborative mock draft of the season so far. Projecting out the top 32 selections, there were some fits that many have forecasted, some huge surprises, and several fits that not many people have thought about.

Among those selected, we saw two current Notre Dame stars see their name called. In both cases, they went to two different teams that presented unique destinations. Let’s dive into those selections, the good, the questionable, and what it would mean for the Irish program.

The first Notre Dame player off the board was All-American cornerback Benjamin Morrison, who is out the rest of the year with hip surgery. He comes off the board to the Green Bay Packers. Here is what A to Z had to say about the selection.

25. Green Bay Packers

Benjamin Morrison, CB Notre Dame

The Packers are off to a great start in the 2024 NFL season. As a result they are picking near the end of this 2025 NFL Mock Draft. Somehow that didn't stop me from landing them one of the top defensive prospects in this entire draft class. If Benjamin Morrison's injury and hip surgery wouldn't have happened he would likely be taken in the first 15 picks, possibly even inside the top 10. It did happen though, which likely will cause Morrison to slip down the board come next April. But I have a good feeling whoever lands the Notre Dame CB is going to leave the draft very happy. – Destin Adams

From a pure fit perspective, Morrison to the Packers makes a lot of sense. There are some major questions about Morrison centered around his hip, as well as shoulder surgery this past offseason. It appears the NFL might be lower

The second Irish standout to be selected in the first round was a huge surprise. Right at the end, we saw the Baltimore Ravens select All-American safety Xavier Watts, reuniting him with Kyle Hamilton. Here is what the staff had to say.

31. Baltimore Ravens

Xavier Watts, S Notre Dame

Watts has been nearly perfect in coverage two years in a row now with 10 interceptions (and counting). He's a perfect free safety prospect with flexibility to win in the box and the slot at times. – Travis May

Watts is a good player, but this seems very high. Talking to NFL sources in the scouting realm, the feedback has been mostly early day three (rounds 4-7) for Watts. His ball skills and instincts are undeniable, but the overall athleticism could hold him back in this class.

If it did happen, it would be massive for the Notre Dame program, as well as secondary coach Mike Mickens. He is quietly building one of the best secondaries in college football, and the NFL Draft results have shown that.