Newsstand: Two Notre Dame players appear on Mel Kiper's latest 2023 NFL Draft big board
Notre Dame’s rocky start to the season has not dampened the NFL Draft outlook for two of the Irish’s stars. At least not according to ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.
Kiper’s latest big board, released Thursday, ranked tight end Michael Mayer as the No. 16 overall prospect and defensive end Isaiah Foskey as No. 22 overall. Mayer is his top-ranked tight end, while Foskey is the No. 3 outside linebacker.
Mayer has caught a team-high 15 passes through three games, totaling 145 yards and 2 touchdowns.
“NFL teams want tight ends who can stretch the deep middle of the field – and block well enough to line up next to offensive tackles,” Kiper wrote. “That’s Mayer, who can be a force in the red zone. Linebackers simply can’t cover him (and safeties struggle with his size).”
Foskey has 2.5 sacks and erupted for 8 quarterback pressures in the Irish’s 24-17 win over Cal Sept. 17. He had just 2 pressures and 1 sack in the prior two weeks combined. Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. (No. 1 overall) and Army’s Andre Carter II (No. 11) are the two outside linebackers ranked ahead of him.
“He’s still developing his technique, but he has a solid spin move and can beat offensive tackles with power,” Kiper wrote. “Foskey had 1.5 sacks in the win over Cal in Week 3, but he can do even more. His size, quickness and frame make him an edge rusher to watch – and we know NFL teams covet edge rushers like him.”
Kiper also ranked Jarrett Patterson as the No. 2 guard and Brandon Joseph as the No. 6 safety, though neither appeared in the top 25.
Notre Dame Tweets of the Day
Unity.
Have a day, Matt Vierling.
Next week won’t be much of an off week.
Quote of the Day
“You don’t treat every player the same terms of how you coach them. You treat them in terms of what will help them respond the right way. For that moment, that’s what Drew needed. Drew would be the first one to tell you that.”
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