Top Notre Dame Prospects to Watch in 2023 NFL Draft

Even though he is undersized, Ademilola projects well as a pass-rushing 3-tech at the next level. He has a quick first step, good hands and a relentless motor that helps him get after the quarterback. Ademilola needs to continue to get stronger and will get knocked for his size, but he can be a rotational player at the next level.

It wouldn’t be shocking to see Foskey as the second edge rusher off the board and a top ten pick. He has that kind of talent. Somewhat misused last season, Foskey still flashed incredible speed and won in many ways. He also excelled against the run, displaying high-level natural strength. There are very few holes in Foskey’s game, and he could work himself into the top ten with another good season.

The upside for Hart to be one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL is there. He looks the part with incredible size and length, and Hart possesses impressive fluidity and speed for his size. As a former receiver, Hart has natural ball skills, and he showed the ability to track the football downfield in coverage. Hart will also have the versatility to play both man and zone coverage. Last season was Hart’s first as a starter, and he showed immense upside. If he takes the next step in his development, Hart will be one of the most coveted defenders in next year’s draft and a first-round pick.

After a fantastic redshirt freshman campaign, Joseph looked poised to be a 2022 draft prospect. His sophomore season did not go as planned, leading him to transfer from Northwestern to Notre Dame. Joseph has incredible instincts and ball skills but isn’t a high-level athlete. Still, players with Joseph’s football IQ and playmaking ability end up as a day two draft pick.

As of now, Mayer is the clear-cut favorite to be the first tight end drafted in the 2023 class. He doesn’t have the same upside Kyle Pitts had coming out, but Mayer could easily land in the first round. His combination of blocking and pass-catching will make him a day one starter in any offense. At the next level, Mayer will be one of the better tight ends in the league for a very long time.

In a rotational role last season, Mills had 19 pressures and looked like an NFL-caliber defensive lineman. He has the versatility to play all over the interior and displayed impressive play strength and a knack for getting after the quarterback. Mills is the kind of player who could come out of nowhere and be a high draft pick.

Last season was supposed to be Liufau’s breakout year, but a season-ending injury prevented that. In 2020, Liufau started down the stretch against Clemson and Alabama, and he flashed athleticism, speed and instincts to be a great linebacker prospect. If Liufau can come back healthy and produce the way he did in a limited sample size in 2020, he’ll be one of the best linebackers in next year’s class.

Like Mayer, Patterson is one of the safest players in the draft. He wins with fantastic technique and athleticism to keep players in front of him in pass protection. In the run game, Patterson excels at sealing off defenders to create holes for ball carriers to run through. Coaches will love Patterson’s experience and versatility. He is slated to play guard this season and has starter upside at both center and guard at the next level.