The 2025 NFL Draft promises to be a special one for Notre Dame, with multiple Fighting Irish players expected to hear their names called across all three days of the event. As one of college football’s most storied programs, Notre Dame continues to be a pipeline of NFL-ready talent, and this year is no exception. From dynamic defenders to reliable offensive weapons, the Irish have a host of prospects drawing serious attention from league scouts, analysts, and general managers alike.
At the top of the list is offensive tackle Joe Alt, whose decision to return for his senior season rather than declare in 2024 is already paying off. Widely projected as a top-10 pick, Alt has impressed NFL evaluators with his elite footwork, refined hand technique, and pro-ready frame. At 6-foot-8 and over 300 pounds, Alt anchors the Irish offensive line with a level of consistency and dominance rarely seen at the collegiate level. Multiple mock drafts from ESPN, The Athletic, and NFL Network have Alt slotted anywhere from No. 4 to No. 9 overall, with teams like the New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, and Washington Commanders reportedly showing the most interest. Scouts rave about Alt’s intelligence, leadership, and versatility, and he’s already being viewed as a cornerstone left tackle for whichever franchise lands him.
Another player drawing significant first-round buzz is cornerback Benjamin Morrison, who has elevated his game with every season in South Bend. Morrison’s ball-hawking instincts and sticky man coverage have made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. In a class with plenty of elite defensive backs, Morrison stands out for his ability to track the ball in the air, his clean technique at the line of scrimmage, and his confidence under pressure. Experts like Daniel Jeremiah and Mel Kiper Jr. have Morrison ranked as a late-first to early-second round prospect, with several teams in need of cornerback help—including the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, and Philadelphia Eagles—targeting him as a high-upside option. What separates Morrison is his mental toughness and knack for game-changing plays; he’s the kind of player who may rise even higher with a strong showing at the NFL Combine and pre-draft interviews.
Linebacker JD Bertrand is another Irish defender making waves among NFL evaluators. Bertrand isn’t the flashiest prospect, but he’s the type of steady, high-IQ linebacker coaches love. A true student of the game, Bertrand excels in diagnosing plays, positioning himself to make stops, and serving as the heart of the Irish defense. His instincts, work ethic, and leadership traits have made him a fan favorite in South Bend and a respected name in front offices. While most draft boards project Bertrand as a mid-to-late Day 2 pick, his football IQ and versatility could elevate him to an early third-round selection. Teams that run multiple fronts and value disciplined tackling—like the Baltimore Ravens or Los Angeles Rams—could see him as a key rotational piece with starter potential.
Wide receiver Jayden Thomas is one of Notre Dame’s more intriguing offensive prospects heading into the draft. After a breakout 2024 season, Thomas has shown NFL-caliber route-running, body control, and hands. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing around 215 pounds, he combines strength with deceptive speed and can operate both on the outside and in the slot. Experts see him as a potential sleeper pick in the middle rounds, with the ability to carve out a role early thanks to his polished game and strong special teams experience. Several teams, including the Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts, and New Orleans Saints, have shown pre-draft interest, and his name is one to watch during Day 3 as franchises look to add depth to their receiving corps.
On the defensive line, Rylie Mills has been quietly climbing draft boards. A physical freak with elite strength and length, Mills projects as a versatile lineman who can play multiple positions in both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes. Though his college production has been steady rather than eye-popping, his size-speed combination and high motor have made him a favorite among scouts looking for raw tools to develop. Most draft experts have Mills as a fourth- or fifth-round pick, though his draft stock could rise with a strong Pro Day showing. If he lands in the right system, Mills could become a valuable rotational piece with starting potential down the line.
Running back Audric Estime may not be a first-round name, but his downhill, punishing style is tailor-made for the NFL. Estime has been the workhorse of Notre Dame’s backfield, showcasing vision, power, and a surprisingly nimble footwork for a player of his size. At 5-foot-11 and over 220 pounds, he’s built to handle the physical toll of the pro game, and his ability to finish runs and protect the quarterback in pass protection adds to his value. Analysts have Estime pegged as a fifth- or sixth-round pick, but his game closely resembles several late-round running backs who’ve gone on to thrive in the NFL. Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers could be ideal fits for Estime’s north-south style and physicality.
Tight end Mitchell Evans also deserves mention among Notre Dame’s draft-eligible talent. While he doesn’t come with the fanfare of recent Irish tight ends like Michael Mayer, Evans is a reliable blocker with strong hands and the ability to find soft spots in zone coverage. He’s a classic safety valve for quarterbacks and can thrive in two-tight end sets. Though not a burner, Evans has the size and toughness to contribute early as a backup or special teams player. Most projections place him in the sixth- or seventh-round range, though he could go undrafted and still find success as a priority free agent.
Punter Bryce McFerson might not make headlines, but he’s been a steady presence for the Irish and has quietly become one of the more dependable specialists in the country. In an era where field position is increasingly important, a dependable punter can be a difference-maker. McFerson’s hang time, directional control, and ability to pin opponents deep have made him a potential Day 3 selection for teams needing help in the special teams department.
As the NFL Draft approaches, Notre Dame’s deep and balanced draft class is poised to make waves at the next level. While not every Irish prospect will hear their name called in the early rounds, the program’s reputation for developing NFL talent bodes well for their futures. The coaching, competition, and character instilled in South Bend continue to shine through in these prospects, many of whom are expected to stick on NFL rosters well beyond their draft weekend.
The 2025 class is also a reflection of Notre Dame’s recruiting success and development pipeline. Players like Joe Alt and Benjamin Morrison arrived with potential and have been molded into top-tier prospects through hard work and elite coaching. Others, like JD Bertrand and Rylie Mills, have grown into their roles and earned recognition through sheer effort and consistency. That kind of internal development is something NFL front offices value highly—especially when evaluating mid- and late-round options.
One under-the-radar name to keep in mind is safety Xavier Watts. Though not a lock to be drafted, Watts has turned heads during workouts and could become a priority free agent or sneak into the seventh round. Known for his football instincts and sure tackling, Watts is the kind of depth piece who could carve out a niche on special teams while developing into a rotational safety in the right system.
This draft class also serves as a reminder of the strong culture Marcus Freeman has built at Notre Dame. Many of these players have spoken openly about their growth on and off the field under Freeman’s guidance, crediting him for fostering a competitive yet brotherly environment. That maturity and accountability will only help them during the pre-draft interview process, where character is scrutinized just as much as athleticism.
Ultimately, the 2025 NFL Draft will mark another chapter in the long and proud tradition of Notre Dame football sending players to the professional ranks. While some, like Joe Alt and Benjamin Morrison, are poised to become household names almost immediately, others will need to prove themselves in camps and on special teams. But if there’s one thing history has shown, it’s that Notre Dame players come to the NFL prepared—mentally, physically, and emotionally—for the challenges ahead.
Whether it’s the bright lights of Round 1 or the gritty path of an undrafted free agent, expect this year’s crop of former Irish stars to make their presence felt in the NFL sooner rather than later. With the draft fast approaching and anticipation building, Notre Dame fans everywhere can take pride in knowing that once again, the gold helmets are ready to shine on Sundays.
