Elite Notre Dame standout makes top 50 big board for NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler

“The best in the business” is a phrase that is thrown around a bit too much, but it describes NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler perfectly. Brugler has consistently put out outstanding NFL Draft content for the Athletic over the years, and that continued on Wednesday with his top 50 prospects list for the 2025 NFL Draft list.

Notre Dame appears they could have a deeper draft class than usual in 2025 , although the top of the class does appear a little light. They landed just one player on the list, with All-American cornerback Benjamin Morrison coming in at No. 11.

It’s not a major surprise for anyone who pays attention to the NFL Draft space. Morrison has frequented first round mock drafts this offseason, with both the NFL and media seeming to be high on him.

Here is what Brugler had to say about the Irish star:

11. Benjamin Morrison

When he signed with Notre Dame (over offers from Alabama, Michigan, Oregon and others), Morrison became the fifth child in his family to compete at the college level. His father, Darryl, was a defensive back at Arizona and played four seasons in the NFL as a 1993 sixth-round pick by Washington.

The youngest Morrison is now entering his third year as a starter for the Irish. He was a Freshman All-American in 2022 with six interceptions and led Notre Dame in passes defended (13) last season. He might not be elite by NFL standards when it comes to speed and size, but he is an athletic technician with a developed feel for route concepts and how to defend passing windows. Morrison’s next-level projection is easy: He is a future NFL starter on the outside.

As that big board extends to 100, 150, and eventually in the 250 range, expect a lot more Notre Dame players to be mentioned. They may be led by Morrison, who has recorded nine interceptions and 14 pass breakups in two years, but the quality of depth is greater than in years past.

Notre Dame will also see five members of Brugler’s top 50 this season. That includes Texas A&M defensive end Scourton at 19, Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman at 24, Florida State defensive end Patrick Payton at 29, Stanford wide receiver Elic Ayomanor at 37, and Florida State defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. at 46.