Vikings craft lethal secondary in latest mock draft with Notre Dame football captain

Notre Dame football season came to an end, as they fell short in the National Championship 34-23.

With the season concluding, Notre Dame will have to expect key players to declare for the NFL draft, as the draft is just months away. Mel Kiper has worked for ESPN since 1984 and is one of the elite and well-respected NFL draft analysts in the business.

Kiper’s first mock draft predicted the Fighting Irish team captain to get selected by Kevin O’Connell and his elite Vikings defense, which would form a lethal shutdown secondary.

Vikings craft lethal secondary in mock draft with Notre Dame football captain

Kiper predicted Benjamin Morrison to be selected 24th overall by the Minnesota Vikings and become either the Vikings star cornerback his rookie year or work alongside their pro bowler, Bryon Murphy Jr.

“Morrison missed all but six games in 2024 with a hip injury, but he’s a top-tier cover man." Kiper stated. "He has sound technique, and he has the ball skills to keep Minnesota’s INT total high.”

The Minnesota Vikings defense was one of the best defenses in 2024 as they have three pro bowl starters in, Andrew Van Ginkel, Byron Murphy and Josh Metellus. The Vikings could lose some key pieces in the secondary which would make the Morrison a great match and set him up for success.

Morrison has been known to rise to the occasion early in his career, as he was Freshman All-American. So, If Vikings can't bring back some key defensive pieces, Morrison history shows he is a perfect fit as he led the Irish with six interceptions, which ranked top seven in the country, started nine games, and ended the season with 33 total tackles and four pass deflections as a freshman

If the Vikings can bring back their pro bowler, Byron Murphy, then their secondary would instantly become one of the more lethal and lock down defenses in the NFL. Murphy recorded six interceptions in 2024 which was the third most in the NFL.

The Vikings had 24 interceptions as a team, which led the NFL. If they can keep their secondary intact, adding Morrison would be a nightmare scenario for quarterbacks. Morrison and Murphy on the outside, with Harrison Smith and Pro Bowler Josh Metellus over the top would cause absolute havoc on the opposing offense.

Morrison has shown his skillset his whole career, but the matchup that stood out to most was against Marvin Harrison Jr. last year. Benjamin Morrison when on Marvin Harrison Jr in their showdown last year, held Harrison to three targets, one catch for seven yards and had three pass break ups.

Morrison only played six games this season, due to a season ending injury, but was elite in those six games with 14 tackles and three pass deflections. In his three years at Notre Dame football, Morrison hauled in nine interceptions, and a total of 84 total tackles.