No team in the NFL has been torched through the air quite like the Baltimore Ravens this season. They’ve given up more passing yards than any other team and rank near the bottom in passing touchdowns allowed, sitting ahead of only two other teams.
For a franchise that prides itself on defensive excellence, this is a glaring problem. Even with some impressive flashes from first-round pick Nate Wiggins in 2024, the Ravens’ secondary has been a liability. Brandon Stephens, set to hit free agency this offseason, hasn’t done enough to earn an extension, leaving a void at cornerback that needs addressing.
Enter Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison, a ball-hawking cornerback who might be the answer to the Ravens’ woes in pass defense. Known for his instincts and elite technique, Morrison could form a dynamic young duo with Wiggins, giving Baltimore the lockdown coverage it desperately needs.
As mock draft season heats up, The Ringer has Morrison pegged as the Ravens’ pick in their first-round projection for 2025. Let’s take a closer look at why Morrison is such a compelling prospect and why he makes perfect sense for Baltimore.
Baltimore Ravens select Notre Dame's Benjamin Morrison in The Ringer's 2025 mock draft
The Ringer's Danny Kelly's mock draft has Morrison landing with the Ravens at pick 24, highlighting both his ball skills and pedigree as the son of former NFL safety Darryl Morrison. Despite a season-ending hip injury midway through 2024, Morrison remains one of the most highly regarded corners in this class.
He’s been described as a “technically elite” player who thrives in zone-heavy schemes but has shown the ability to handle man-to-man assignments as well.
Kelly explains Morrison's fit in Baltimore:
"The son of former NFL safety Darryl Morrison, the Notre Dame standout is a smooth mover who has fluid hips that give him the ability to turn and run with opposing receivers. While he can be a risk-taker in his tendency to jump routes, he has plenty of production on his résumé (nine interceptions in his career). A hip injury ended his 2024 season prematurely, but if everything goes smoothly in his recovery, he could be ready to roll early on for the Ravens."
Every Benjamin Morrison/Marvin Harrison Jr. 1-on-1 🍿 pic.twitter.com/uqHNusYFiC
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) July 25, 2024
The Ravens' pass defense has been their Achilles' heel all year, and with Stephens potentially departing, the need for another starting-caliber corner is undeniable.
Adding Morrison to the mix would give Baltimore a young, dynamic tandem with Nate Wiggins, setting the secondary up for long-term success. His fit in Zach Orr's zone-heavy scheme would allow Morrison to play to his strengths, utilizing his instincts and vision to disrupt opposing offenses.
While Morrison’s physical limitations and tackling inconsistencies need work, the Ravens have a track record of developing defensive backs into elite players. With the right coaching and recovery from his 2024 hip injury, Morrison has the tools to become a cornerstone of the Ravens’ defense. We're talking All-Pro level corner, here.
If Baltimore wants to return to its defensive roots, drafting Benjamin Morrison is a step in the right direction. His ability to create turnovers and lock down receivers (just look at how he blankets Marvin Harrison Jr. above) makes him the type of playmaker the Ravens need to fix their most glaring weakness.