The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Georgia Bulldogs clash in a highly-anticipated AllState Sugar Bowl matchup between two teams with College Football Playoff National Championship Game aspirations. Aside from wanting to progress in the inaugural 12-team tournament, there are a ton of 2025 NFL Draft prospects looking to elevate their stock in front of a national audience.
Notre Dame 2025 NFL Draft Prospects
- Benjamin Morrison, CB (Rounds 1-2) – injured
- Xavier Watts, S (Rounds 2-3)
- Howard Cross III, DT (Rounds 4-5)
- Rylie Mills, DL (Rounds 4-5) – injured
- Mitchell Evans, TE (Rounds 5-6)
- Riley Leonard, QB (Rounds 4-6)
- Jack Kiser, LB (Rounds 6-7)
- RJ Oben, DE (Round 7-UDFA)
- Beaux Collins, WR (UDFA)
- Jaylen Sneed, LB (UDFA)
- Pat Coogan, OL (UDFA)
Benjamin Morrison’s NFL Draft Projection
Unfortunately, Benjamin Morrison is out for the rest of the season with a hip injury, but as the top-rated Fighting Irish NFL prospect, he still warrants attention at the top of this list.
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At 6’0” and 190 pounds, Morrison is one of the most technically polished cornerback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, displaying adequate athleticism with fluid body movement, fierce physicality, and innate anticipation. Whether the injury causes Morrison to drop to the second round is a question waiting to be answered.
Xavier Watts’ NFL Draft Projection
Xavier Watts leads Notre Dame with five interceptions and nine passes defensed in 2024 and is one of the top safety prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Irish safety showcases elite anticipation and physicality while his explosive downfield trigger and instincts make the 6’0”, 205-pound safety a top Day 2 target.
Howard Cross III’s NFL Draft Projection
Howard Cross is a bully up front and creative disruptor. He possesses dominating strength and underlying awareness to penetrate the backfield, leading to 23 tackles, six TFLs, and four sacks in 13 appearances this season. However, at 6’1” and 288 pounds, the former four-star recruit is undersized, which will limit his immediate appeal to NFL teams.
Rylie Mills’ NFL Draft Projection
With a team-leading 6.5 sacks in 2024, Rylie Mills projects as a 3-tech in the NFL, where he can unleash his pass-rushing potential, explosive athleticism, and overpowering strength. The Notre Dame defensive lineman is a superb athlete, measuring 6’5” and 295 pounds. However, a knee injury will prevent him from playing in the Sugar Bowl.
Mitchell Evans’ NFL Draft Projection
Mitchell Evans leads Notre Dame in 2024 with three receiving touchdowns. That may be an indictment on the passing offense in South Bend. However, the 6’5”, 253-pound tight end is a natural receiver who creates mismatches with his large frame and spatial awareness.
Georgia 2025 NFL Draft Prospects
- Malaki Starks, DB (Round 1)
- Mykel Williams, EDGE (Round 1)
- Jalon Walker, OLB (Round 1)
- Tate Ratledge (Rounds 2-3)
- Carson Beck (Rounds 3-4) – injured
- Smael Mondon Jr., LB (Rounds 4-5)
- Jared Wilson, OL (Rounds 4-5)
- Daylen Everette, CB (Rounds 4-5)
- Earnest Greene, OT (Rounds 4-5)
- Oscar Delp, TE (Rounds 5-6)
- Xavier Truss, OL (Rounds 5-7)
- Nazir Stackhouse, DT (Rounds 5-7)
- Trevor Etienne, RB (Rounds 6-7)
Malaki Starks’ NFL Draft Projection
Elite safety Malaki Starks is one of the top 2025 NFL Draft prospects overall and is close to being a guaranteed first-round lock. The Georgia DB has demonstrated his ball-hawking nature, collecting six interceptions over his three seasons in Athens. His athleticism, awareness, football IQ, and tackling ability jump out on tape.
Mykel Williams’ NFL Draft Projection
Mykel Williams is a dynamic edge rusher with exceptional size and athleticism, making him a strong candidate for an early selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 265 pounds, he showcases elite agility and impressive power, positioning him as a potential top-10 pick.
If Williams can refine his pass-rush strategy and translate his pressure into tangible results, he has the potential to become a standout player at the next level.
Jalon Walker’s NFL Draft Projection
Expect Jalon Walker to be drafted higher than many anticipate. The Bulldogs’ defender has played both as an edge rusher and as an off-ball linebacker during the 2024 season under Kirby Smart, but he will likely be utilized predominantly as an edge rusher in the NFL. This is due to Walker’s explosive movement skills, exceptional bend, and flexibility, which allow him to excel at winning on the edge.
Additionally, the versatile Georgia product possesses strong hand placement, effective arm swipes, and technical pass-rushing moves that will facilitate his transition to the next level. Walker has all the attributes needed, and NFL teams will believe they can fully harness his talents.
Tate Ratledge’s NFL Draft Projection
Tate Ratledge is regarded as one of the top interior offensive linemen eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft, earning a Day 2 grade. The Georgia right guard possesses impressive strength, powerful blocking ability, and solid mobility.
His experience as a starter, combined with his effective performance in both pass protection and run blocking, makes him well-equipped to contribute to an NFL team in year one.
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