Several Notre Dame standouts selected in recent 2025 NFL mock draft, including something that hasn't happened in 20 years
We are entering week 10 of NFL action, which means everyone is getting a deeper understanding of the potential playoff landscape, and who the best teams truly are. Various NFL teams are also already focusing on the future, seeing their 2024 chances dwindling. One major way to upgrade a roster is through the draft, and […]
We are entering week 10 of NFL action, which means everyone is getting a deeper understanding of the potential playoff landscape, and who the best teams truly are. Various NFL teams are also already focusing on the future, seeing their 2024 chances dwindling.
One major way to upgrade a roster is through the draft, and we are less than six months until the 2025 NFL Draft originally kicks off. Like an absolute madman, A to Z Sports NFL Draft analyst Ian Valentino released a 7-round 2025 NFL mock draft. That included four current Notre Dame standouts, all beginning in the first round.
It all kicked off in the first round with the Baltimore Ravens selecting All-American cornerback Benjamin Morrison. A very interesting potential fit, here is what Valentino had to say about the Morrison selection.
24) Baltimore Ravens: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Despite bringing in Nate Wiggins this past recruiting class, Baltimore's main worry remains the depth of talent in their secondary for crucial games. Benjamin Morrison showcases strong physicality and skills with the ball, having led the nation in interceptions in 2022 and recording 10 passes defensed in 2023. Although he's currently recovering from a torn ACL, his presence offers some value to Baltimore.
From conversations I have had, it appears that the NFL is a little lower on Morrison than a majority of the media. There is a general appreciation for his ball skills and natural instincts, but the medicals and overall play strength does bring some pessimism.
Morrison would be the first Irish cornerback selected in the first round since Jeff Burris in the 1994 NFL Draft.
Notre Dame also had another player selected on Day Two (rounds 2-3) in safety Xavier Watts. He was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the third round with pick No. 104. Watts would add premier ball skills and instincts instantly.
In the early portion of the fourth round, the Tennessee Titans selected defensive tackle Howard Cross III with the No. 115 overall selection. The Titans already have one of the better interior defensive lineman in the NFL with Jeffrey Simmons, but Cross can add more depth. His penetration upside is still there despite smaller size.
In the seventh round, Cross saw his counterpart come off the board. With the 243rd selection, the Chicago Bears selected Rylie Mills. This would be a surreal one for Mills, who is an Illinois native. Adding a talent like that so late in the draft is a nice gamble to make.
