Five Notre Dame Prospects to Watch This NFL Draft Season

The University of Notre Dame has long been recognized as one of college football’s powerhouse programs, producing NFL talent year after year. Whether it’s players excelling on the offensive or defensive side of the ball, Notre Dame’s football pedigree remains strong as the program continues to churn out elite prospects. With the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, Notre Dame is again home to a handful of future NFL stars who are primed to make their mark on the professional level.

While Notre Dame had a strong 2024 season, some of its standout players will be looking to take the next step in their careers. From dynamic wide receivers to hard-hitting defensive players, here are five Notre Dame prospects to keep a close eye on heading into the NFL Draft season.

1. Sam Hartman – Quarterback

Overview:

Sam Hartman is one of the most experienced quarterbacks entering the 2025 NFL Draft. After transferring from Wake Forest to Notre Dame for his senior season, Hartman brings with him a wealth of experience, having started for multiple years at the collegiate level. Hartman is a physically imposing quarterback with a strong arm, excellent leadership qualities, and the ability to read defenses with ease. His football IQ and poise under pressure are qualities that make him one of the most intriguing QB prospects in the 2025 draft class.

Strengths:

• Arm Strength: Hartman’s arm is one of his standout traits. He has the ability to make all the throws required at the NFL level, from deep balls to touch passes over the middle.
• Leadership and Experience: Hartman is a four-year starter who has had plenty of time to develop his skills. His experience as a leader on the field and his ability to manage a game will serve him well at the next level.
• Poise Under Pressure: Hartman shows an ability to keep his composure in high-pressure situations, a crucial trait for NFL quarterbacks. This poise could help him transition smoothly to the pros.
• Field Awareness and Decision Making: A key area where Hartman excels is in his decision-making. He rarely forces throws and understands when to throw the ball away and when to take a shot downfield.

Weaknesses:

• Mobility: While Hartman is mobile enough to extend plays, he’s not the type of quarterback who will consistently gain yards with his legs. At the next level, he may face challenges against faster, more aggressive pass-rushers.
• Consistency: Though Hartman has the tools, his consistency in the deep passing game can sometimes be hit-or-miss. He will need to improve this aspect of his game to succeed at the NFL level.

Projection:

Hartman has the physical tools to be a starting NFL quarterback. He will likely be drafted in the middle rounds of the 2025 Draft, but depending on his Combine performance and pre-draft workouts, he could rise into the first round if his skills continue to develop.

2. Joe Alt – Offensive Tackle

Overview:

Joe Alt has quickly become one of the most highly regarded offensive line prospects in the 2025 Draft class. The 6-foot-8, 315-pound tackle is a prototypical NFL blindside protector with the size and athleticism to dominate in both the run and pass game. As the cornerstone of Notre Dame’s offensive line, Alt has shown that he has the tools to be an immediate contributor at the next level.

Strengths:

• Elite Size and Length: Alt has the ideal frame for an NFL tackle. His height and wingspan give him the ability to cover a wide area and create clean pockets for his quarterback.
• Footwork and Quickness: Despite his size, Alt is surprisingly nimble. He moves with fluidity and has excellent lateral movement, allowing him to handle speed rushers with ease.
• Run Blocking Ability: Alt is a tenacious run blocker. He’s powerful at the point of attack and can drive defenders off the ball, which is critical for teams that rely on a strong ground game.
• Pass Protection: Alt is known for his ability to protect the quarterback. His strong hands, ability to anchor, and awareness of defensive schemes make him a reliable pass blocker.

Weaknesses:

• Finishing Blocks: One area where Alt can improve is in finishing blocks. He sometimes allows defenders to disengage too quickly after initial contact, and he could work on maintaining leverage throughout the entire block.
• Competition Level: While Alt has faced quality competition at the college level, he will need to prove himself against NFL-caliber pass rushers during the Combine and in practice.

Projection:

Alt is widely considered to be one of the top offensive tackle prospects of the 2025 Draft. He has the potential to be drafted in the top 10, and he could go as high as the first overall offensive tackle taken, depending on team needs and his Combine performance.

3. Michael Mayer – Tight End

Overview:

Michael Mayer is one of the most talented tight end prospects in recent years, and he has the potential to be a top pick in the 2025 Draft. With his ability to block and catch passes effectively, Mayer is a complete tight end who can contribute in a variety of ways at the next level. After finishing his Notre Dame career with impressive statistics, Mayer will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of other top tight ends who have had successful NFL careers.

Strengths:

• Blocking Ability: One of Mayer’s most underrated traits is his ability to block. Whether he’s creating running lanes or protecting his quarterback, Mayer’s strength and technique in the blocking game are top-notch.
• Pass Catching: Mayer has soft hands and runs crisp routes, making him a reliable target in the passing game. He is a mismatch for defenders due to his combination of size (6’4″, 250 pounds) and athleticism.
• Versatility: Mayer has the ability to line up in multiple positions—whether inline as a traditional tight end, in the slot, or even split out wide. This versatility will make him a valuable asset for any NFL team.
• YAC (Yards After Catch): Despite not being the fastest tight end in the class, Mayer is difficult to bring down after the catch. He has excellent strength and balance, allowing him to break tackles and gain extra yards.

Weaknesses:

• Speed: While Mayer is athletic, his top-end speed may not be elite for the NFL, especially when compared to other top tight ends in the draft. He may struggle to separate from faster defenders in the pros.
• Route Running: Though Mayer is solid in his routes, there are areas where he could refine his sharpness and timing to fully capitalize on his potential.

Projection:

Mayer is one of the most complete tight end prospects in recent memory, and he is expected to be drafted in the first round. His versatility and all-around skill set will make him an instant impact player in the NFL, and he’s poised to be one of the first tight ends taken off the board in 2025.

4. Isaiah Foskey – Edge Rusher

Overview:

Isaiah Foskey is a dynamic pass rusher who stands out for his athleticism, motor, and ability to generate pressure in a variety of ways. After being a key part of Notre Dame’s defensive front for multiple seasons, Foskey is now a rising star in the 2025 NFL Draft. His explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and relentless pursuit of the quarterback make him a name to watch this season.

Strengths:

• Pass Rush Ability: Foskey’s speed and quickness make him a threat off the edge. His ability to turn the corner and get after the quarterback is one of his strongest attributes.
• Versatility: Foskey is not a one-dimensional rusher. He can attack the quarterback in multiple ways, including with speed, power, and his ability to mix up his pass-rush moves.
• Motor and Work Ethic: Foskey is relentless in pursuit. He doesn’t take plays off and consistently gives maximum effort, which is a desirable trait for NFL teams looking for a high-motor player.
• Run Defense: While he’s known primarily for his pass rush, Foskey is also solid against the run. He uses his length and strength to shed blockers and disrupt plays in the backfield.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistency: There are times when Foskey can disappear from games, particularly when he faces elite competition. He needs to show more consistency in his production and impact on games.
• Refinement of Moves: While Foskey has natural pass-rush talent, he will need to refine his techniques and develop a more diverse arsenal of moves to succeed at the next level.

Projection:

Foskey’s upside as a pass rusher makes him one of the top edge prospects in the 2025 class. He has the potential to go in the first round, but he will likely land somewhere in the second round unless he shows consistent improvement in his overall play and technique during the pre-draft process.

5. Al Golden – Linebacker

Overview:

Al Golden has been a consistent and steady presence for the Notre Dame defense throughout his college career. His leadership, sideline-to-sideline range, and ability to diagnose plays quickly make him one of the top linebacker prospects heading into the 2025 Draft. Golden is a smart, tough, and disciplined linebacker with the potential to be a difference-maker at the next level.

Strengths:

• Football IQ: Golden’s ability to read plays and understand offensive schemes makes him a great defensive asset. He is often in the right place at the right time.
• Tackling: Golden is a solid tackler who can get players to the ground quickly and efficiently. He is not afraid to take on blockers and will often shed them with ease.
• Pass Coverage: Golden is good in coverage, especially in short zones. He has the agility to stay with running backs or tight ends in the passing game.
• Leadership: Golden is a vocal leader who brings energy to his team. His ability to motivate teammates and keep the defense aligned is an invaluable asset.

Weaknesses:

• Speed: While Golden is effective, he lacks the elite speed of some other linebackers in the class. This may hurt him when covering faster receivers or tight ends in man coverage.
• Lateral Quickness: Golden can be a step slow when reacting to quick, lateral movements by offensive players, which may cause him issues at the next level.

Projection:

Golden is a reliable linebacker with a solid skill set, but his lack of elite speed could cause him to slip to the mid-to-late rounds of the draft. Nonetheless, his ability to contribute immediately on special teams and in base defense will ensure he earns a spot on an NFL roster.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, these five Notre Dame prospects—Sam Hartman, Joe Alt, Michael Mayer, Isaiah Foskey, and Al Golden—are primed to make significant impacts at the next level. Whether it’s Hartman’s leadership at quarterback, Alt’s dominance on the offensive line, Mayer’s versatility at tight end, Foskey’s pass-rushing prowess, or Golden’s intelligence at linebacker, Notre Dame is once again poised to supply NFL teams with top-tier talent. As the draft draws nearer, each of these players will be looking to showcase their skills in workouts, interviews, and the Combine to secure their place in the NFL.