Notre Dame Nabs Six Spots on Early NFL Draft Board

For decades, major football programs such as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have spent heavily on training centers and experienced coaching staffs. Those resources help high school recruits become stronger and more prepared early in their college careers.

Top universities now run football programs that work much like professional teams. Scouts follow talented college players for years, while fans pay close attention to young players with strong physical skills.

On Thursday, sports media ESPN published its early player rankings for the 2027 professional football draft. Industry analyst Jordan Reid evaluated college athletes across the nation and selected six Notre Dame players for his top 50 list.

Leading this collegiate group, junior cornerback Leonard Moore earned the second overall spot. Reid wrote, “With excellent length, speed and technique, Moore is the prototypical cornerback prospect.”

Nov 22, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Leonard Moore (15) hits Syracuse Orange running back Will Nixon (24) during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

Because Moore allowed zero completed passes through late September, scouts consider him an elite defender. Furthermore, his teammate CJ Carr ranked 22nd on the national list after throwing for 963 yards and nine touchdowns.

Reid praised the young quarterback in his report, stating that Carr is a “refined pocket passer whose eyes, feet and throwing motion are always in cohesion.” Consequently, Carr’s accurate passing numbers elevated his status among professional evaluators.

Nov 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) is pressured by Southern California Trojans safety Kamari Ramsey (7) in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Four additional Notre Dame athletes rounded out the prestigious board. Specifically, safety Brauntae Johnson earned the 26th position.

Subsequently, edge rusher Boubacar Traore secured spot 47 after producing 2.5 sacks this autumn. Linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa was selected 48th.

Finally, offensive lineman Anthonie Knapp grabbed the 49th rank because he surrendered only a 0.9 percent pressure rate on 230 snaps.

NFL rules require players to be at least three years removed from high school before entering the draft. True juniors and redshirt sophomores may qualify, but true freshmen and true sophomores cannot declare before completing that waiting period.

CJ Carr Remains the Clear Answer as the Mystery of the Next-in-Line Deepens at Notre Dame QB Room (Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images)

The rule prevents true college sophomores from signing NFL contracts before the 2027 draft. An early ESPN ranking gives a player attention, but it does not offer a contract or guarantee any money.

NFL teams make their own decisions during the scouting process. They study game film, conduct medical checks and watch players complete athletic drills before making draft selections.

Strong media rankings can still bring national attention to a college program. However, NFL scouts follow their own watchlists and attend practices and games based on each team’s evaluation plans.

Six Notre Dame players included in early media rankings are still college students. They remain active members of the team during the current season.