The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have provided the NFL with a catalog of talent, and more prospects will come off the conveyor belt. More than half a dozen 2025 NFL Draft prospects hold draftable grades.
Notre Dame 2025 NFL Draft Prospects
- Benjamin Morrison, CB (Rounds 1-2)
- Xavier Watts, S (Rounds 2-3)
- Howard Cross III, DT (Rounds 4-5)
- Rylie Mills, DL (Rounds 4-5)
- Mitchell Evans, TE (Rounds 5-6)
- Riley Leonard, QB (Rounds 4-6)
- Jack Kiser, LB (Rounds 4-6)
- RJ Oben, DE (Round 7-UDFA)
- Beaux Collins, WR (UDFA)
- Jaylen Sneed, LB (UDFA)
- Pat Coogan, OL (UDFA)
Benjamin Morrison’s NFL Draft Projection
Benjamin Morrison’s season came to an unfortunate end in October 2024 due to a hip injury. However, as the top-rated NFL prospect from the Fighting Irish, he remains a key figure at the top of this list.
Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 190 pounds, Morrison is widely regarded as one of the most technically refined cornerback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. He combines solid athleticism with smooth movement, intense physicality, and a natural ability to anticipate plays. However, the injury concern may cause him to fall to the second round.
Xavier Watts’ NFL Draft Projection
Xavier Watts leads Notre Dame in 2024 with six interceptions and nine passes defensed, solidifying his place as one of the top safety prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. The phenomenal season builds on his impressive seven interceptions in 2023. Known for his ability to generate turnovers, Watts combines elite anticipation and physicality. His explosive reactions and strong instincts make the 6’0”, 205-pound safety a standout Day 2 prospect.
Howard Cross III’s NFL Draft Projection
Howard Cross is a bully up front and a creative disruptor. He possesses dominating strength and underlying awareness to penetrate the backfield, leading to 24 tackles, six TFLs, and four sacks in 11 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
Rylie Mills, who led the team with 7.5 sacks in 2024, is poised to excel as a 3-technique in the NFL, where his pass-rushing skills, explosive athleticism, and overpowering strength will be key assets.
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The 6’5″, 295-pound defensive lineman from Notre Dame is a remarkable athlete, but his postseason was prematurely cut short due to a knee injury, as he was ruled out after the first round of the playoff.
Mitchell Evans’ NFL Draft Projection
Mitchell Evans shares the team lead at Notre Dame in 2024 with three receiving touchdowns, which may highlight some limitations in the passing game at South Bend.
Nevertheless, the 6’5″, 253-pound tight end is a highly skilled receiver, leveraging his substantial frame and exceptional spatial awareness to exploit mismatches against defenders. His ability to create separation and effectively position himself in the passing game showcases his natural talent and high football IQ.
Riley Leonard’s NFL Draft Projection
Riley Leonard has an opportunity to improve his draft stock at the 2025 Senior Bowl, but his difficulty passing the ball during the 2024 season has stunted the former Duke Blue Devils playmakers’ ceiling. The Notre Dame QB will likely be drafted somewhere on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft due to his physical attributes and dual-treat ability.
The 6’4” and 216-pound passer offers functional athleticism and enough arm strength to be drafted. However, Leonard’s outlook profiles more as a potential NFL backup.
Jack Kiser’s NFL Draft Projection
Jack Kiser is a potential sleeper in the 2025 NFL Draft class. The Fighting Irish’s defensive captain has an unceasing motor and will bring tangible leadership qualities to an NFL team.
With unrelenting physicality and strong tackling, Kiser is solid against the run, while his 6’1”, 230-pound frame allows him to play with aggression and fluidity.
RJ Oben’s NFL Draft Projection
A potential pass rush rotational player in the NFL, RJ Oben could find himself drafted in the later rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. With a quick first step, the Notre Dame pass rusher has fluid enough athleticism. However, at 6’3” and 262 pounds, the Notre Dame pass rusher may struggle against the run in the NFL and still needs to refine his pass-rush plan.
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