Newsstand: ESPN’s Jeff Legwold taps three Notre Dame players in top 100 2024 NFL Draft prospects

Kyle Kellyby:Kyle Kelly•04/22/24•

ByKyleKelly

It is officially NFL Draft week, and the Notre Dame football program could see three former players selected within the first 100 picks. At least, ESPN senior writer Jeff Legwold believes that could happen.

On Saturday, Legwold recognized three former Fighting Irish standouts in his top 100 players available in the 2024 NFL Draft: Joe Alt, Blake Fisher and Cam Hart. According to Legwold’s poll, Alt, a unanimous All-American, is the top offensive tackle this year and the No. 7 overall player. 

“Alt is a two-time All-American that is a pro-ready, big-framed tackle with high-end movement skills and recovery ability,” Legwold said. “He is simply difficult to get around, even for the most talented rushers. And when he does get into trouble, his strength allows him to clean up almost any difficulties.”

Notre Dame’s other bookend, Fisher, is the No. 11 offensive tackle and No. 88 player. 

“Before Alt arrived, Fisher was the first true freshman to start at left tackle for the Irish,” Legwold said. “(Fisher) suffered a knee injury in the opening half of the first game that caused him to miss most of the season. He was a staple at right tackle after that. He is a gifted player who needs plenty of work to make the most of it. His talent is rare, but his footwork and hand placement need work and the right coach to do it.”

Hart’s size and athleticism allowed him to claim the No. 96 spot on Legwold’s list. He is also the No. 17 cornerback.

“Hart was a wide receiver turned cornerback,” Legwold said. “He is one of the biggest players at the position with the reach of an offensive lineman and high-end movement skills in coverage. He led the Irish with three forced fumbles last season and led the team in pass breakups in each of the past two years.”

The last time the Irish had three players chosen within the first 100 picks was when Liam Eichenberg, Aaron Banks and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah went Nos. 42, 48 and 52, respectively. 

Notre Dame Posts of the Weekend

During Saturday’s Blue-Gold game, the Irish football program honored junior Jaden Mickey’s mother, Nilka Mickey. The elder Mickey passed away on Dec. 28 after battling cancer. 

Irish running backs coach Deland McCullough recognized defensive line coach Al Washington after Team Blue and Washington defeated Team Gold and McCullough, 28-21, on Saturday.

Former Irish running back Jonas Gray recognized freshman walk-on long snapper Joseph Vinci after attending Saturday’s spring game. 

Notre Dame Quote of the Weekend

“We will bring somebody in. We’re looking to, at some point, bring somebody in to be a punter to add to that room.”

— Irish head coach Marcus Freeman on potentially adding a punter through the transfer portal.

Notre Dame Headlines of the Weekend

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