Notre Dame Poised for Historic 2026 NFL Draft Haul
- godcountryirish
- 4 days ago
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Notre Dame Poised for Historic 2026 NFL Draft Haul
With the 2026 NFL Draft beginning tonight, Notre Dame football is once again flexing its NFL pipeline. The Fighting Irish are projected to send up to six players into the league in ESPN’s Matt Miller seven-round mock draft — a potential program highlight that underscores the depth and talent developed under head coach Marcus Freeman. From explosive skill players to blue-collar linemen, this class reflects the program’s recent offensive renaissance. Here’s a breakdown of the top prospects, where mocks see them landing, and who could emerge as priority undrafted free agents. We’ll also glance ahead to a promising 2027 group already generating buzz.
Six Irish Expected to Hear Their Names Called
Jeremiyah Love, RB (Projected: Round 1, Top 5–10 Overall)
The consensus No. 1 running back in the class and a legitimate top-10 lock. At 6-0, 212 pounds, Love brings home-run speed (multiple 90+ yard TDs in college), finishing power, and elite route-running as a receiver (63 career catches). Mel Kiper Jr. and Matt Miller both have him going as high as No. 4 overall to the Tennessee Titans, where he’d immediately make an impact on an offense alongside QB Cam Ward.
Jadarian Price, RB (Projected: Round 2)
The perfect complement to Love in Notre Dame’s backfield, Price (5-11, 203) is a vision-and-speed dynamo who consistently popped in big games. Miller slots him at No. 49 to the Minnesota Vikings; other mocks have him around No. 64 to the Seahawks. Teams love the limited snaps, explosiveness, and pass-game fit.
Malachi Fields, WR (Projected: Round 3)
The 6-4, 218-pound field-stretcher with an enormous catch radius. While production wasn’t always gaudy, Fields dominated contested catches and impressed at the Senior Bowl. Miller has him at No. 71 to the Washington Commanders as a perfect complement to Terry McLaurin.
Eli Raridon, TE (Projected: Round 4)
A sneaky steal at 6-7, 245 pounds. Raridon offers size, athleticism, and upside as a move tight end. Miller projects him at No. 136 to the New Orleans Saints.
Billy Schrauth, OG (Projected: Round 5)
The 6-5, 310-pound interior mauler is a rock-solid run blocker who started multiple seasons for the Irish. Miller has him at No. 165 to the Buffalo Bills.
Aamil Wagner, OT (Projected: Round 6)
Versatile tackle/guard with length and athleticism. Miller projects him at No. 190 to the Saints, giving Notre Dame two offensive linemen off the board.
These projections aren’t set in stone — Pro Day buzz and team needs can shift boards — but six selections in the first 190 picks would mark a strong day for the Irish.
Undrafted Free Agents to Watch
Not every Irish player will get drafted, but several are expected to generate immediate interest as priority UDFAs and have real roster shots:
WR Will Pauling — Rose up boards after an impressive Pro Day and testing; his route-running and hands could earn him a camp invite with upside to stick.
EDGE Jordan Botelho — Productive pass rusher with burst; schemes that value speed off the edge will pounce.
DL Gabriel Rubio / Jared Dawson — Interior depth pieces who flashed in the run game and could fill practice-squad-to-roster paths.
These names, along with others like EDGE Junior Tuihalamaka, represent the depth of Notre Dame’s 2025 roster that could still land on NFL rosters shortly after the draft ends.
Looking Ahead to the 2027 NFL Draft
Notre Dame’s talent factory shows no signs of slowing. Several underclassmen and returning starters are already drawing first- and second-round buzz for 2027:
Leonard Moore, CB — The 6-2, 195-pound sophomore turned heads in 2025 with elite coverage, five interceptions, and sticky technique. He’s frequently ranked among the top defensive backs available in early 2027 mocks and could climb into the top 10 with another big season.
Boubacar Traore, EDGE — Explosive pass-rush presence projected as a potential Day 2 pick.
Drayk Bowen, LB — Underrated leader of the defense with size, quickness, and coverage ability.
QB CJ Carr — and others (including interior DL and secondary depth) round out a class that could produce multiple early-rounders if they stay healthy and productive.
The Irish are already positioning themselves for another multi-player draft in 2027, proving the program’s sustained NFL development under Freeman.
Bottom line
The 2026 draft could be one of Notre Dame’s best in recent memory, with star power at skill positions and reliable trench help. Add in a deep pool of UDFA candidates and a loaded 2027 outlook, and Fighting Irish fans have every reason to be excited as the draft kicks off. Expect several new Notre Dame names on NFL rosters by Week 1 — and more on the way next year.
Go Irish!
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