Latest mock draft has Vikings picking Notre Dame CB Benjamin Morrison

The Minnesota Vikings are projected to draft Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison as the No. 6 overall selection in the latest too-early mock draft.

The mock draft was curated by The Athletic 's Nick Baumgardner, who selected the odd-numbered teams, and Scott Dochterman, who picked the even-numbered teams.

The Vikings selecting sixth overall indicates a rough season ahead, with only the New York Giants, New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos and Washington Commanders having earlier picks. The draft order was established by projected win totals for each team this season.

The cornerback position is desperately in need of attention in Minnesota, even after the recent signing of former All-Pro Stephon Gilmore on a one-year deal.

Related: Vikings roster preview: How dynamic will Stephon Gilmore make Minnesota’s defense?

Minnesota drafted Oregon cornerback Khyree Jackson in this year's draft but he tragically was killed in a multi-vehicle crash this summer before training camp. Mekhi Blackmon suffered a torn ACL on the first day of training camp, further weakening the position.

The Vikings will enter the 2024 season with Gilmore, Shaquill Griffin, Byron Murphy Jr., Fabian Moreau, Akayleb Evans, and Dwight McGlothern on their 53-man roster. They also have Jaylin Williams and Nahshon Wright signed to the practice squad.

Morrison, entering his junior season, earned a 79.4 overall grade by Pro Football Focus last season and a 84.6 pass coverage grade. Quarterbacks had a rating of 60.8 when throwing his way.

Here's how Benjamin fared against some of the NCAA's top wide receivers his first two collegiate seasons combined:

• Marvin Harrison Jr.: 8 catches for 88 yards (two games)
• Brenden Rice: 2 catches for 18 yards
• Jordan Addison: 3 catches for 45 yards
• Josh Downs: 5 catches for 32 yards
• Zay Flowers: 3 catches for 46 yards
• Puka Nacua: 0 catches for 0 yards

The athletic corner excels in man coverage and would also fit well into defensive coordinator Brian Flore's zone-coverage scheme. The 6-foot, 186-pound Morrison is predicted to be the second-highest drafted of his positional group behind Michigan's Will Johnson, who is mocked to go third overall to the Carolina Panthers.

Earlier this month, another mock draft suggested Colorado's Travis Hunter would go to the Vikings No. 9 overall.

Related: Colorado's Travis Hunter mocked to Vikings in 2025 NFL Draft