Most expect the San Francisco 49ers to finally prioritize bolstering their offensive line in the 2025 NFL Draft. Analysts widely predict the team will target the top offensive tackle available or a versatile player capable of filling both guard and tackle roles.
Others believe the 49ers might focus on their defensive line, selecting an interior defender or pass rusher to improve what has become an underperforming front.
However, Pro Football Network writer Derek Tate has a different vision. He projects the 49ers to strengthen their defensive backfield with the 11th overall pick by selecting Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison.
"The potential loss of starting CB Charvarius Ward could turn one of the San Francisco 49ers' strengths into a position of need if the veteran corner hits free agency," Tate wrote. "The Niners saw encouraging things from press coverage savant Renardo Green his rookie year, which would make the addition of another man-coverage specialist in Benjamin Morrison an intriguing pairing on the back end of this defense."
The 49ers also recently secured cornerback Deommodore Lenoir with a massive contract extension, declaring him a key building block for the future.
Morrison (6-0, 190) missed much of the 2024 season due to a hip injury suffered in October. He finished the year with 20 tackles, four pass breakups, and no touchdowns allowed in six starts. According to Pro Football Focus, opposing quarterbacks posted a 58.4 NFL passer rating when targeting him.
While the deadline to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft has passed for most players, Morrison has until January 24 due to Notre Dame's participation in the National Championship Game.
"Unfortunately, Morrison suffered a season-ending injury early this college football season," Tate continued. "Assuming he declares, Morrison has all the tools with size, length, and reactive quickness to make a long-term impact for a secondary filled with young, promising prospects."
