Newsstand: NFL evaluators project where former Notre Dame QB Sam Hartman goes in NFL Draft

Kyle Kellyby:Kyle Kelly•02/05/24•

ByKyleKelly

On Saturday, former Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman and other 2024 NFL Draft prospects completed a key part of the pre-draft process by participating in the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Hartman capped off his final amateur game by completing 7-25 passes for 69 yards and an interception.

Afterward, ESPN senior writer Jeff Legwold polled over 24 scouts and personnel executives to determine the predicted ranges for the seven Senior Bowl quarterbacks. NFL evaluators projected Hartman to hear his name called in the seventh round, according to Legwold.

“The 24-year-old Hartman’s age had evaluators somewhat divided,” Legwold said. “By the time Patrick Mahomes turned 25 — in September 2020 — he was a two-time Pro Bowler, a first-team All-Pro, an MVP winner and a Super Bowl champion. Hartman’s learning curve could be shorter than other prospects in this class, however, given that he started 57 games over five seasons at Wake Forest and one at Notre Dame.

“It’s unlikely Hartman would go undrafted given the need for quarterbacks among teams. But it’s possible he could have his choice of teams and a tidy signing bonus as an undrafted rookie.

“Hartman didn’t always look smooth in the Senior Bowl environment, especially on Tuesday, when he and the other quarterbacks on the American roster were out of sync. He also checked in at 6-foot-1 and 209 pounds, undersized for a player who was inclined to pull the ball down and run as much as he did. He had 11 rushing touchdowns for the Demon Deacons in 2021.”

Legwold also noted Hartman’s earliest predicted draft range was the middle to late sixth round. The worst-case scenario was him being a priority undrafted free agent. 

Hartman led the Irish to a 9-3 record in his one season with the program. In those 12 games, he completed 191-301 passes — for a career-high 63.5% completion — 2,689 yards, 24 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. His 8.9 yards per attempt was also a career-best.

The last Notre Dame quarterback selected in the NFL Draft was Ian Book. The New Orleans Saints picked him at No. 133 overall in 2021.

Notre Dame Posts of the Weekend

Irish women’s basketball freshman Hannah Hidalgo continues to have a brilliant freshman campaign.

On Sunday, the Miami Dolphins named former Notre Dame defensive end Anthony Weaver as its defensive coordinator. 

On Sunday, Irish football coach Marcus Freeman attended Notre Dame’s women’s basketball game.

Notre Dame Quote of the Weekend

“She’s always going to just wear her heart on her sleeve and go as hard as she can on the floor.”

– Notre Dame women’s basketball coach Niele Ivey on Hidalgo. 

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