Notre Dame Standouts Benjamin Morrison & Xavier Watts Selected in 2025 NFL Draft
On Friday night, two members of the 2024 Notre Dame football team were selected in the NFL Draft.
Here’s where they’re going:
Benjamin Morrison CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Morrison was selected with the 53rd pick in the second round by Tampa Bay. By going 53rd, the cornerback is estimated to earn $8.2 million over four years as a Buccaneer, according to Spotrac.
In three years as a member of the Irish, Morrison recorded nine interceptions, 84 tackles and received All-American accolades going into his junior season. The projected first-round pick started the first six games of the 2024 season before a hip injury sidelined him for the rest of the year, causing Morrison to drop to the second round..
It’s also a reunion of sorts for Morrison in Tampa under Todd Bowles as the head coach played with Morrison’s father, Darryl, in Washington. Morrison met with Tampa Bay for an interview during the NFL Scouting Combine in March, and seemingly impressed as he begins his professional career as a Buccaneer.
Xavier Watts S, Atlanta Falcons
Watts was selected with the 96th pick in the third round by the Atlanta Falcons. The safety is projected to earn $6.1 million over four years as a Falcon, according to Spotrac.
The two-time All-American had a stellar career as a member of the Irish, totaling 13 interceptions and 188 tackles. Watts also was named the Sugar Bowl Defensive MVP in Notre Dame’s win over Georgia.
