Eight Notre Dame players are expected to be selected in the most recent NFL draft mock draft

Every year, college football fans eagerly follow the progression of their favorite players as they enter the NFL draft process. For a program like Notre Dame, with a storied history and tradition, the NFL draft serves as a reflection of the program’s ability to develop elite talent capable of succeeding at the highest level. In the most recent NFL mock draft, eight Notre Dame players are expected to hear their names called, marking a pivotal moment in their football careers and in the future of the Fighting Irish football program.

The presence of eight players from Notre Dame in this mock draft is a testament to the team’s consistency in producing NFL-caliber talent. Over the years, Notre Dame has established itself as a program that not only competes for national titles but also provides its athletes with the tools to succeed at the professional level. This draft class is no exception, with a mix of star players and rising talents poised to make their mark in the NFL.

1. Isaiah Foskey (Edge Rusher)

The crown jewel of Notre Dame’s draft class, Isaiah Foskey, is expected to be one of the top defensive players selected in the draft. Standing 6’5″ and weighing 265 pounds, Foskey is an explosive edge rusher who has consistently been one of the most disruptive players on the field for Notre Dame. His ability to get after the quarterback, set the edge against the run, and generate pressure from the defensive line makes him a highly coveted prospect.

Foskey’s career at Notre Dame has been marked by his impressive sack numbers and his ability to change the course of games. In his senior season, he recorded a career-high 11 sacks, showcasing his development as a pass rusher. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism makes him a potential first-round pick in the NFL draft, and he is expected to be a major contributor to whichever NFL team selects him.

NFL teams in need of an edge rusher with a high motor and the ability to disrupt opposing offenses will be closely watching Foskey’s progress in the lead-up to the draft. His ability to contribute early and develop into a long-term starter is one of the key factors that will make him an attractive prospect.

2. Michael Mayer (Tight End)

Michael Mayer has long been considered one of the best tight ends in college football, and his name has appeared in the first round of numerous NFL mock drafts. The 6’4″, 250-pound tight end has been a major weapon for Notre Dame’s offense over the past few seasons, particularly as a reliable target in the passing game. Mayer possesses elite ball skills, excellent route running, and the ability to create mismatches against defenders.

Over the course of his career at Notre Dame, Mayer accumulated over 2,000 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns, earning All-American honors and solidifying his place as one of the top prospects at his position. His ability to block in the run game and create separation in the passing game makes him an all-around tight end that can contribute in both facets of the game, making him an invaluable asset to an NFL offense.

Mayer’s skills make him one of the top tight ends in the draft class, and he is expected to be selected early in the first round. Teams that prioritize a versatile, well-rounded tight end who can both block and catch passes will be especially interested in his potential.

3. Jarrett Patterson (Offensive Lineman)

Jarrett Patterson, a versatile offensive lineman for Notre Dame, is another player expected to be selected in the upcoming NFL draft. Patterson, who played multiple positions along the offensive line during his college career, has proven himself as a steady and reliable force in the trenches. He has a reputation for being a strong, technically sound blocker, particularly in the run game, and has demonstrated impressive pass protection abilities.

Patterson’s ability to play both center and guard gives him significant versatility, which is highly valued in the NFL. Teams that are looking to bolster their offensive line depth will likely see Patterson as a valuable asset due to his experience and his ability to step in and contribute early. His leadership on the field and his steady development make him a solid pick for an NFL team looking to improve its offensive line.

As one of the top interior offensive linemen in the draft class, Patterson’s name has appeared in several early-round projections, and he’s expected to hear his name called on day two of the draft.

4. Blake Fisher (Offensive Tackle)

Another offensive lineman from Notre Dame who is drawing significant attention in the lead-up to the NFL draft is Blake Fisher. Standing 6’6″ and weighing 330 pounds, Fisher is a massive presence on the offensive line and is known for his ability to protect the quarterback and open running lanes. Despite suffering an injury early in his college career, Fisher has bounced back and demonstrated his immense potential as a future NFL offensive tackle.

Fisher’s combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him one of the top prospects at his position. His ability to move defenders off the ball in the running game and protect the passer in obvious passing situations makes him a highly sought-after commodity in the draft. Fisher’s upside, combined with his ability to play both tackle positions, has made him one of the most intriguing prospects in this draft class.

NFL teams looking to add a powerful, athletic tackle with long-term potential will be eyeing Fisher as a potential early-round pick. His development at Notre Dame and his size and skills make him a valuable asset to any team looking to protect their quarterback for years to come.

5. Kurt Hinish (Defensive Tackle)

Kurt Hinish is another defensive player from Notre Dame who is expected to be selected in the NFL draft. A dependable and hard-working defensive tackle, Hinish was a staple of the Notre Dame defensive line throughout his college career. Known for his ability to clog running lanes and disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage, Hinish has made a name for himself as a stout, powerful interior lineman.

While Hinish may not have the flashy pass-rush numbers of some of his counterparts, his ability to eat up space, clog running lanes, and contribute to a team’s overall defensive effort makes him a valuable player for NFL teams looking to strengthen their defensive front. His toughness and leadership on the field will likely make him an attractive pick for teams looking for depth along the defensive line.

Hinish is expected to be selected on the third day of the draft, but his work ethic and ability to contribute immediately as a rotational player could make him a key asset for an NFL team’s defensive front.

6. DJ Brown (Safety)

DJ Brown, a talented safety from Notre Dame, is another player likely to be selected in the upcoming NFL draft. Brown has played a key role in Notre Dame’s secondary, contributing as both a strong safety and a deep safety who can cover a lot of ground. His ability to read the quarterback, close on the ball, and make plays in coverage has made him an integral part of the Fighting Irish defense.

Brown’s football IQ and ability to contribute in multiple roles in the secondary make him a valuable prospect for NFL teams looking to improve their defensive backfield. His combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability gives him the potential to develop into a starting safety at the next level. Brown may not be a first-round pick, but his ability to contribute as a versatile safety who can be used in different situations could see him selected in the later rounds.

7. Cam Hart (Cornerback)

Cam Hart, a standout cornerback for Notre Dame, has garnered significant attention as one of the top defensive back prospects in the draft. Standing 6’2″ and with excellent length and speed, Hart has the physical tools to match up against top wide receivers in the NFL. Throughout his college career, Hart has been able to cover a wide range of receivers, and his ability to play both press-man and off-coverage makes him a versatile cornerback for NFL teams.

Hart’s ability to improve over the course of his career at Notre Dame has made him one of the top cornerback prospects in the draft. NFL teams looking for a cornerback who can make an immediate impact in coverage and potentially become a starting player will have Hart high on their list. His athleticism and length make him a potential standout in the NFL, and he’s expected to be drafted in the middle rounds of the draft.

8. Jayson Ademilola (Defensive Lineman)

Jayson Ademilola is another defensive lineman from Notre Dame who is expected to hear his name called during the NFL draft. Known for his quickness and ability to disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage, Ademilola is a versatile defensive lineman who can play both the interior and on the edge. His motor and intensity have been assets for Notre Dame, and he has the potential to become a key contributor to an NFL defense.

Ademilola’s flexibility to play multiple positions along the defensive line and his ability to generate pressure on the quarterback make him an intriguing prospect. He is likely to be selected in the later rounds of the draft but could develop into a valuable rotational player who can contribute on special teams and in various defensive schemes.