Benjamin Morrison Offers the Commanders Lockdown Corner Potential

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2025 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders

Benjamin Morrison, CB
School: Notre Dame | Conference: Independent
College Experience: Junior| Age: 20
Height / Weight: 6’ / 190 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Mid 1st-2nd Round

Player Comparison: Denzel Ward

College Statistics

Player Overview

Benjamin Morrison was one of the top high school football players in Arizona, earning a four-star recruiting ranking and offers from Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Alabama, and Notre Dame. After choosing the Irish, they wasted no time getting Morrison on the field. The decision paid off as Morrison quickly earned a starting spot on the defense. Not only did he start, but Morrison became arguably Notre Dame’s best defender. On the way to being a freshman All-American, Morrison had 10 PBUs and six interceptions, including a pick six. He followed that up with a productive sophomore year where he had 13 PBUs and three picks.

To start his junior year, Morrison was in conversations to be the top cornerback in the 2025 draft. Quarterbacks didn’t test him much, so the stats to start the season were not as impressive as other years. Unfortunately, a hip injury that required surgery ended his season. Despite being out, Morrison, a team captain, continued to contribute. Younger defensive backs on the team credit Morrison with helping them develop:

“Ben has played in a lot of big games, so he kept us focused on the sideline when things weren’t going our way,” [Adon] Shuler said after the Orange Bowl win over Penn State. “He’s seen so much ball, he knows how receivers release and the placement. That helps me out. If I know how my corner is going to play, it’s easier for me to get my job done.”

Strengths

• Has the size of an NFL corner
• Effective punch in press man coverage disrupts routes and timing
• Footwork, agility, and quickness allows him to stay in-phase throughout receivers’ routes
• Good route recognition in off coverage
• Understands responsibilities in zone coverage, even baiting QBs into bad throws
• Great ball skills with the hands to take the ball away
• Leadership; voted team captain

Weaknesses

• Occasionally caught flat-footed, giving up quick-breaking, underneath routes
• Can draw PI calls by making contact too early or being too handsy
• Struggles to fight off or go through blocks
• Inconsistent form can lead to missed tackles
• Injury concerns: shoulder surgery in the Spring, hip surgery in fall

Let’s See His Work

How He Fits on the Commanders

Cornerback is one of the biggest needs for the Commanders to address this offseason. Marshon Lattimore and Mikey Sainristil are signed through next season, but Benjamin St-Juste, Noah Igbinoghene, and Michael Davis will be free agents. Of those three, I can only foresee Igbinoghene being re-signed. While Sainristil had fantastic moments outside, the Commanders need another outside corner opposite Lattimore…or to replace him if he is injured.

Benjamin Morrison has all of the tools to be a high-end starter in the NFL. His technique and quickness should allow him to make an impact in man coverage, but he certainly has the ability to be successful in zone coverages. He’ll need to learn all he can from Lattimore about bringing more physicality to the position. If he progresses, Morrison could ultimately replace Lattimore when his contract ends. The biggest question for Morrison will be health and whether his hip injury will impact his play going forward. A healthy Benjamin Morrison has a chance to be a starter for Washington for a long time.