At this point, every one of us is tired of reading Mel Kiper and other draft “experts” in their 317th mock draft edition. So here are my only draft predictions, focusing solely on the beloved Irish. The potential draftees are listed in reverse order of when I think their names will be called.
Quick note: Some of our guys will most likely be free agents, including Will Pauling, Devonta Smith, Jalen Stroman, Gabriel Rubio, Jared Dawson, Junior Tuihalamaka, James Rendell and Jordan Botelho. Even if they do not get drafted, it does not mean they cannot play in the NFL. Last year, 57 undrafted free agents made the initial 53-man rosters. Personally, I think Pauling and Rubio have the best chance to make a roster, but all of them should at least earn practice-squad berths.
But now we are on the clock; here are the selections.
Aamil Wagner, offensive tackle
Aamil Wagner put together two strong seasons at Notre Dame, joining the starting lineup as a sophomore in 2024. He was named a captain for his junior campaign. By NFL standards, however, he is a little small and does not promise the consistency of a professional starter. He, therefore, projects to fill the role of a valuable swing tackle. I, like the mock-draft consensus, have him going in the sixth or seventh round, and because it would be nice to see him with a team in the rebuilding stage, the New Orleans Saints would be the best fit.
Billy Schrauth, offensive guard
Offensive guard Billy Schrauth, while uniformly excellent, poses some injury concerns. He suffered two defining knee injuries during his collegiate career. After the first in 2024, he failed to return fully healthy but provided solid play in spite of it during the run to the national championship. And though he was beginning to reach his All-American potential as an elite recruit, he got hurt during October’s 2025’s USC matchup. Despite going on the shelf for the remainder of the season, however, he flashed his dominant promise against the Trojans. In the pro world, offensive line success is really about system and fit. With Schrauth’s bruising style, I say his name will be called in the third or fourth round. I would love to see him with the Baltimore Ravens, given their smash-mouth football style.
Eli Raridon, tight end
Like Schrauth, tight end Eli Raridon dealt with injuries that tainted his college tapes. However, despite his two ACL tears, he clearly displays the athleticism and testing numbers necessary for an impact starter. Most people have him going in the fourth round, but, because of his blocking and catching abilities, I see him going in the higher range of the second or third. In my opinion, I like him with the Cincinnati Bengals in tandem with signal-caller Joe Burrow, or, even better, the Philadelphia Eagles and Jalen Hurts, as they desperately need to identify their future tight end.
Malachi Fields, wide receiver
Malachi Fields really took advantage of his senior season in South Bend to solidify his elite status as a wide receiver. Given Notre Dame’s rocky history with receiver recruits, the higher he goes, the better for the Irish. Though there was some initial late first-round buzz, the more probable scenario for Fields would be second or third round, likely being viewed as the No. 2 receiver option at the NFL level. I want him with the Buffalo Bills, as they need a big-body guy like him for a deep-ball and red-zone threat for superstar quarterback Josh Allen.
Jadarian Price, running back
Besides running mate Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price takes a backseat to no back in this draft. In fact, if he is the second runner off the board, he and Love will make history by being the first teammates to be taken 1-2 at the position. He could slide to the third round, but, given his big-play ability, Price will most likely hear his name called in the middle of round two. A great landing spot for the Irish legend, in my opinion, would be the Houston Texans — they need a running back, and he could take pressure off quarterback CJ Stroud.
Jeremiyah Love, running back
The moment you have been waiting for. The big question mark for Love will be the NFL’s valuation of running backs — given some teams may view him as the best player in the draft class, there is a possibility some general manager will trade up for him. He could go as high as third overall but should certainly hear his name called in the first 10 picks. If so, his most likely landing spots are the Tennessee Titans, New York Giants or Washington Commanders. Love has the name and game made for the big lights of New York, but my hope is that the Minnesota Vikings trade up for him, and Kyle Shanahan acolyte and Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell makes him the next-generation version of Christian McCaffrey.
With my one-and-only mock complete, do not hold your breath for my way-too-early 2027 mock draft.
