Notre Dame is having a year and making a playoff push, a daunting task for an Independent program. Their roster is stacked with NFL draft-worthy players, but there are three all scouts need to put on their big board now. These three are exceptional athletes, and we’ll explore their statistics and accolades and the intangible qualities that make them invaluable to their team. From the trenches to the backfield to the last line of defense, these players embody the spirit and tenacity that Notre Dame football is known for. Their journeys, challenges, and potential for greatness in the upcoming season paint a vivid picture of what fans can expect when the Irish take the field.
2025 NFL Draft: Notre Dame Players to Watch
The Anchor of the Defense: Howard Cross III
In the heart of Notre Dame’s formidable defense stands Howard Cross III, a defensive tackle whose presence on the field is as imposing as it is impactful. As we look ahead to the 2024 season, Cross emerges as a linchpin in the Irish’s defensive strategy, bringing a combination of strength, agility, and football IQ that makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
He has plugged the line on the field, leading Notre Dame to the 19th-ranked defense in yards per rush allowed. His 16 tackles and four sacks lead the Irish’s defense, as he is a disruptive force in the backfield.
Standing at 6’1″ and weighing in at a solid 275 pounds, Cross may not be the largest defensive tackle in college football, but his impact far exceeds his physical dimensions. His ability to disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage has become a hallmark of Notre Dame’s defensive front.
His experience and leadership are invaluable to a defensive unit that relies on cohesion and communication. As one of the team’s veterans, Cross has taken on a mentorship role, helping to guide younger players and set the tone for the defense’s aggressive style of play.
His presence on the field extends beyond his contributions. Cross’s ability to occupy multiple blockers frees up linebackers to make plays and allows edge rushers more one-on-one opportunities. This ripple effect across the defense is crucial to why Notre Dame’s front seven is considered one of the most formidable in college football.
Draft prediction: 55 overall for the Chicago Bears.
Bears and Irish go together like football and Chicago; Cross will fit in and be a fan favorite for an illustrious career.
The Explosive X-Factor: Jeremiyah Love
In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, versatility is king, and Jeremiyah Love embodies this principle to perfection. As Notre Dame’s dynamic running back, Love is poised to become the X-factor that could elevate the Irish offense from good to great in the 2024 season.
At first glance, Love’s physical attributes are impressive. Standing at 6’0″ and recently bulking up to 210 pounds, he presents a formidable challenge for defenders. This added muscle mass, coupled with his natural speed, creates a rare combination that allows him to both power through tackles and outrun defenders in the open field. Love, however, is a triple threat – he can run between the tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and even line up as a receiver when needed.
He averages six yards a carry with seven touchdown downs coupled with his 9.9 yards per catch efficiency. He is a difference-maker and will make an impact as a rookie in the NFL next season.
Draft prediction: 74 overall for the Washington Commanders.
He will be the significant play threat and safety valve Jayden Daniels needs to become an elite NFL QB.
Ballhawk Extraordinaire: Xavier Watts
For Notre Dame in 2024, Xavier Watts is the epitome of defensive excellence, a safety whose impact on the field goes far beyond the stat sheet. Standing at 5’11” and weighing 195 pounds, Watts may not be the largest safety on the field, but his impact is immeasurable. His combination of speed, agility, and football IQ makes him a force to be reckoned with in both pass coverage and run support.
One of Watts’ most impressive attributes is his ability to create turnovers. In the previous season, he led the team with an astounding seven interceptions, showcasing his knack for being in the right place at the right time. This ball-hawking ability stops opposing drives and provides the Notre Dame offense with additional possessions and favorable field position.
Watts’ interception prowess isn’t just about luck or being in the right place. It results from meticulous film study, excellent positioning, and the ability to bait quarterbacks into making mistakes. His understanding of offensive schemes, likely enhanced by his background as a receiver, allows him to anticipate throws and make plays that other safeties might miss.
Draft Prediction: 94 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have a character, culture, and heart problem on defense and a hole at safety to fill; Watts is their solution.
Main Image: Alberto Silva Fernandez/ El Paso Times / USA TODAY NETWORK
