2023 NFL Draft: Notre Dame Players Find New Homes
The 2023 NFL Draft concluded on Saturday with three former Notre Dame standouts hearing their name called during the three days of action. Former star tight end Michael Mayer, record setting pass rusher Isaiah Foskey and offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson were all selected.
Here is a recap of all three selections, including some of the former Irish contributors who signed free agent contracts after the draft concluded. It was a busy few days for prospective NFL players, including these Notre Dame players who are chasing their dreams.
TE Michael Mayer - Las Vegas Raiders (Second round - No. 35 overall)
After sliding out of the first round, the Raiders picked Mayer early in the second round. For whatever reason, Mayer was the third tight end selected in the class despite largely being viewed as the consensus top tight end in the 2023 group for most of the draft process.
Mayer will quickly bring a ton of physicality and competitiveness to the Raiders roster. If developed properly, the 6-4, 252-pound tight end has a chance to become one of the league’s best at the position early on in his career.
You can read my full analysis of Mayer's fit with the Raiders HERE.
EDGE Isaiah Foskey - New Orleans Saints (Second round - No. 40 overall)
There aren’t many better situations for Foskey to fall into than the Saints early in round two. He immediately injects talent into a room that has some serious question marks opposite of Pro Bowler Cam Jordan. That should give the pressure a bump early.
Foskey is also afforded an opportunity to land from Jordan, who is one of the more technically refined pass rushers in the NFL. If Foskey is able to adopt some of that pass rush plan, he has a chance to be special.
You can read my full analysis of Foskey's fit with the Saints HERE.
OL Jarrett Patterson - Houston Texans (Sixth round - No. 201 overall)
The Texans have quietly built up a really solid interior offensive line over the last two years. That includes some decent backup depth for Patterson to compete with.
The former Notre Dame offensive lineman will need to showcase his dependability and position flexibility early on to find a spot on the roster. NFL teams can never have enough quality offensive lineman, which will help Patterson’s quest but it will be a tough one.
UNDRAFTED FREE AGENTS FIND HOME
So far, there have been four Notre Dame players who have been signed as undrafted free agents.
IDL Jayson Ademilola - Jacksonville Jaguars
Ademilola is joining a pretty nice situation with the Jaguars. They are a young and talented football team, but have some serious needs inside on the defensive line. There should be major opportunities for Ademilola to make the roster. He must flash his penetration ability and finish more plays than we saw in a Notre Dame uniform.
IDL Chris Smith - Detroit Lions
With a fantastic pro day showing, Smith was able to earn himself an opportunity as a priority free agent. The Lions have a lot of names on the interior but not a ton of proven production. Smith should be able to come in and compete right away, although it may be hard to find a roster spot in the end.
S Brandon Joseph - Detroit Lions
Joseph will be joining Smith in Detroit. After some high expectations after his All American season in 2020, Joseph was a modest contributor over the last two years and had way too many up and down moments. He does have a tremendous opportunity to compete in a less than stellar safety depth chart. Special teams will be important for Joseph to excel early on.
K Blake Grupe - New Orleans Saints
Saints kicker Wil Lutz is coming off of his worst season as a pro in 2022, hitting on less than 75 percent of his field goals. It was also his worst touchback percentage in four years on kickoffs. Grupe has a strong leg but will need to be more consistent to get a legitimate chance. There is, however, an outside chance that he could stick.
Linebacker and special teams ace Bo Bauer was invited to rookie camp with the Seattle Seahawks. Defensive end Justin Ademilola was invited to rookie camp with the Green Bay Packers and offensive lineman Joshua Lugg was invited to rookie camp with the Chicago Bears.
Be sure to check out the Irish Breakdown message board, the Champions Lounge
Irish Breakdown Content
2023 Scholarship Chart
2023 Football Schedule
Notre Dame 2023 Scholarship Offers
Notre Dame 2024 Scholarship Offers
2023 Recruiting Class Grades - Offense
2023 Recruiting Class Grades - Defense
———————
Become a premium Irish Breakdown member, which grants you access to all of our premium content and our premium message board! Click on the link below for more.
Be sure to stay locked into Irish Breakdown all the time!
Join the Irish Breakdown community!
Subscribe to the Irish Breakdown YouTube channel
Subscribe to the Irish Breakdown podcast on iTunes
Follow me on Twitter: @RiseNDraft
Like and follow Irish Breakdown on Facebook
