Notre Dame’s NFL Newcomers: 2025 Draft Picks, Undrafted Free Agents, and Unsigned Prospects
- Connor Regan
- Aug 10
- 14 min read
Notre Dame’s newest NFL exports are making noise as the 2025 NFL season gets underway.
Notre Dame is known as a perennial powerhouse in football talent production and leads all college programs with the highest number of all-time NFL draft picks, totaling a staggering 538 players. The 2025 NFL draft saw six Irish players added to that list, along with three undrafted free agents, and a handful more competing for a professional roster spot. In this piece, we will take a look at each Fighting Irish rookie looking to make a splash on the game’s biggest stage.
Benjamin Morrison – Cornerback – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Background and College Career
Height / Weight: 6′0″/ 190 lbs.
Notre Dame Summary: Over three seasons (2022–2024), Morrison appeared in 31 games (26 starts), logging 84 tackles, 27 passes deflected, and 9 interceptions (1 returned for a touchdown).
Accolades & Impact: Freshman All-American in 2022 and a Thorpe Award Semifinalist in 2023. He earned recognition as a Preseason All-American and team captain for the 2024 season before declaring for the NFL Draft.
Draft and Contract Situation
Drafted in the 2nd round with the 53rd overall pick.
A league-wide second-round pick standoff delayed contract talks after early selections secured unprecedented fully guaranteed deals.
Signed a four-year rookie deal worth approximately $8.21 million on July 21, 2025, just before camp opened.
Training Camp and Early Impressions
Missed most of the Bucs’ offseason program, rehabbing from hip surgery.
Cleared for camp, quickly earned first-team reps, and drew praise for his composure and readiness.
Notable highlight: In tight coverage vs. Rakim Jarrett, maintained inside leverage and intercepted a boundary pass.
Bowles: “Did not flinch” when thrown in with starters; praised his intelligence, toughness, and technique.
Latest Camp Updates
Recorded an interception during team drills in early August, reinforcing his ball-hawking reputation.
Suffered a hamstring tweak during the week of August 4th, causing him to miss multiple practices.
Likely to miss preseason opener vs. Titans; absence provides opportunities for other corners (e.g., rookie Jacob Parrish).
Remains listed as second-string cornerback behind Jamel Dean on depth chart despite injury.
Style and Role Projection
Physical at the line, patient in route recognition, wins at the catch point.
Polished in both press-man and zone coverage, elite patience, and ball skills.
Early projection: rotational CB with a chance to challenge for the starting role by late season if healthy.
Quote on Progression
“[He’s] smart, tough… picked up our system really well,” Bowles said. “He’s got good size, good speed, the ability to change direction. He’s progressing.” - Bucs head coach Todd Bowles.
Xavier Watts – Safety – Atlanta Falcons (3rd Round, Pick 96)
Background and College Career
Height / Weight: 6′0″/ 203–204 lbs.
Notre Dame Summary: In 53 career games, Watts logged 117 tackles (46 solo), 17 passes defensed, 13 interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and 1.5 sacks.
Accolades & Impact: Two-time consensus First-Team All-American (2023–24) and winner of the 2023 Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s top defensive player. In 2023, he led the nation with 7 interceptions and showed out in 2024 with 6 more, including a 100-yard pick-six and a Sugar Bowl Defensive MVP performance.
Draft and Contract Situation
Drafted in the 3rd round with the 96th overall pick.
Signed a four-year rookie contract worth approximately $6.19 million.
Training Camp and Early Impressions
Nicknamed the “X-Factor” by teammates and “X-Man” by veteran Jessie Bates III, signals his budding impact and ball-hawking style.
Early in camp, he alternated with Jordan Fuller for first-team reps on defense, emerging as a leader in a deep safety rotation.
On Camp Day 2, he joined first-team defense with Jessie Bates—an encouraging sign of the staff’s trust.
Camp Health and Performance
Missed some 11-on-11 teamwork, although not injury-related; returned to steady reps.
As the preseason began, Watts affirmed he was feeling “real good,” despite earlier absences.
Roster Battle and Preseason Outlook
Entering the preseason, Atlanta faces a tight safety battle among Watts, Jordan Fuller, and DeMarcco Hellams for a starting role alongside Bates, with analysts leaning toward Watts due to his early camp performance.
Ahead of the Week 1 preseason game, Watts was confirmed to participate—a key opportunity in his push for a starting spot.
Preseason Stats
Recorded 1 solo tackle, no sacks, interceptions, or pass deflections in preseason action against the Lions.
Jack Kiser – Linebacker – Jacksonville Jaguars
Background and College Career
Height / Weight: 6′2″/ 231 lbs.
Notre Dame Summary: A six-year super-senior and Notre Dame’s all-time leader in games played (70). He finished his collegiate career with 275 tackles, 6 sacks, 4 interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns), 7 passes defended, and 6 forced fumbles. His senior year alone featured 90 tackles, 14 of which were solo.
Accolades & Impact: He served as team captain and was awarded the “Man of the Year” award in 2024.
Draft and Contract Situation
Drafted in the 4th round with the 107th overall pick.
Officially signed his four-year rookie deal worth $5.25 million by mid-July, completing Jacksonville’s rookie class contract signings.
Training Camp and Preseason Highlights
Reported early (rookie report: July 19), he quickly impressed by showing reliability in special teams and defensive packages.
Day 6 camp reports noted that Kiser and DE Josh Hines-Allen both recorded would-be sacks during team drills, further confirming his disruptive presence.
On Day 9 of camp, he delivered a major highlight: a pick-six on former QB Nick Mullens during an 11-on-11 drill, marking the Jaguars’ first defensive TD of camp.
Jaguars media and analysts positioned him as arguably the second-best rookie in camp behind Travis Hunter, praising his consistency versus the run, coverage fluidity, and blitz ability.
Minicamp previews separately highlighted his promising coverage skills in situational periods.
Known as a high-IQ, instinctive linebacker with immediate special-teams value. Scouts flagged his limited elite athleticism but highlighted his tackling reliability, play recognition, and football savvy.
Preseason Outlook
A cerebral, dependable defender with polished special-teams chops. Exceptional consistency and intelligence highlight his playing style.
Projects as a core special-teams contributor and valuable rotational linebacker. He’s positioned to find a rotational spot if veteran slots open (e.g., with Muma or Lloyd entering free agency).
Rylie Mills – Defensive Line – Seattle Seahawks
Background and College Career
Height / Weight: 6′5″/ 290–291 lbs.
Notre Dame Summary: Redshirt senior who played from 2020 to 2024. Rylie Mills posted 131 tackles, 17 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries over his 62-game career.
Accolades & Impact: Notre Dame team captain and Second-Team All-American honors in 2024.
Draft and Contract Situation
Drafted in the 5th round with the 142nd overall pick.
Signed a four-year rookie contract worth approximately $4.66 million.
Injury Status and Rehab
Suffered a torn ACL during the College Football Playoff and underwent surgery prior to the draft.
Camp Activity
By June’s OTAs, Mills was participating in “half-speed” drills, signaling positive rehab progress.
Upon reporting for training camp, he was placed on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list. As the only drafted rookie designated there, it reinforces that his ACL rehab continues.
Outlook and Return Timeline
The Seahawks’ GM anticipates a midseason or later return to the field.
Most rookies on NFI returned rapidly after physical clearance, but Mills is expected to remain sidelined into midseason at the earliest.
At practice, Mills was observed wearing rehab bands on his legs, a sign he’s still actively working on his recovery.
Style and Role Projection
Known for his rare blend of size, athleticism, and quickness, Mills can play both defensive end and interior line roles, showcasing lateral quickness, strong swim moves, versatility, and bull-rush power.
He was rated a “high-floor player” poised to replace the departed Roy Robertson-Harris as a rotational pass-rusher.
Mitchell Evans – Tight End – Carolina Panthers
Background and College Career
Height / Weight: 6′5″/ 258 lbs.
Notre Dame Summary: Over four seasons, recorded 77 receptions for 903 yards and 5 touchdowns (via combine profile). Known for strong blocking technique, smooth route-running, reliable hands, and versatility across in-line and slot formations.
High School & College: Starred as a quarterback in high school (over 2,100 passing yards in senior year), transitioned to tight end at Notre Dame.
Skill Set: Scout comparisons liken him to Michael Mayer—excellent route-running, reliable hands, and toughness in blocking, all honed in Notre Dame’s rigorous tight end room.
Injuries: Overcame a broken foot in 2022 and a torn ACL in 2023, then rebounded to lead the team in receptions (43) in 2024.
Draft and Contract Situation
Drafted in the 5th round with the 163rd overall pick.
Signed a four-year rookie contract worth approximately $4.59 million.
Role Projection
With veteran tight end and Notre Dame alumnus Tommy Tremble sidelined due to back surgery, Evans has seen increased exposure to first-team reps during camp, elevating his opportunity to challenge for a starter or tight end 2 role.
Evans potentially has the most to gain in training camp, highlighting his polished blocking background and receiving instincts.
Training Camp and Preseason Developments
On August 1, Evans and Sanders both logged catches during the second 11v11 red zone periods, signaling active involvement in situational packages.
Ahead of the Panthers’ preseason opener, analysts identified rookie pass-catchers—like Evans—as key figures to watch for their ability to stand out early.
In Week 1 of the preseason against the Browns, Evans played 18 offensive snaps and contributed 2 special teams snaps (32% of offensive plays), displaying early trust from the coaching staff. He reeled in 1 catch for 5 yards.
Playing Style & Fit
Evans has been praised for his in-line blocking prowess, athleticism, and crisp route running—qualities critical in the Panthers’ offense, most especially in Tremble’s absence.
He’s shown natural catching ability with solid ball skills and good route discipline, strengths that align with Brian Canales’s preference for clean, reliable tight ends.
Roster Outlook
Tremble’s rehab opens the door for Evans to stake a claim as tight end 2 or even a starter, while Ja’Tavion Sanders shares early responsibilities.
With consistent camp involvement, preseason snaps, and trust from the staff, Evans is poised for an impactful rookie campaign.
Riley Leonard – Quarterback – Indianapolis Colts
Background and College Career
Height / Weight: 6′4″/ 216 lbs.
Notre Dame Summary: Transferred from Duke in 2024. At Notre Dame, he led the offense to a national title game with 2,861 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, 906 rushing yards, and 17 rushing touchdowns.
College Journey: Started at Duke (2021–2023) before transferring to Notre Dame in 2024. At Duke, he completed 3,449 passing yards and 20 touchdowns over two seasons.
Draft and Contract Situation
Drafted in the 6th round with the 189th overall pick.
Signed a standard four-year rookie contract worth $4.43 million on May 9.
NFL Entry and Role
Entered a QB room led by Anthony Richardson and veteran Daniel Jones, positioning Leonard as a developmental option and potential third-string/“emergency” quarterback.
Profile Strengths: Athletic dual-threat with a strong arm, high football IQ, and leadership presence. Philip Rivers praised his humility, competitiveness, and professionalism — a perfect fit with Colts coach Shane Steichen’s developmental culture.
Training Camp and Practice Performance
After a shaky start, Leonard posted one of his best practices to date on Camp Day 9, going a perfect 7-for-7 on his first drive, including a touchdown, followed by another long scoring pass. He missed just one throw, which was due to a receiver drop.
Coach Steichen praised Leonard’s efficiency and growth, noting he’s made “great strides” through two weeks of training camp.
Colts scouts view him as a developmental quarterback — physical, a fast learner, with future upside — while acknowledging he’s not expected to compete for the starting job in 2025.
Preseason Debut Highlights
In his first NFL action (Preseason Week 1 vs. Ravens), Leonard completed 12 of 24 passes for 92 yards with 1 interception, and scrambled for 34 yards, including a clutch effort that helped secure the Colts’ lone touchdown of the game.
Head Coach Shane Steichen said Richardson’s dislocated pinky was “popped back in” and expects him to return soon, leaving Leonard to build his reputation on brief flashes in upcoming games.
Role and Outlook
Leonard is pushing to earn a spot as the third-string (or emergency) quarterback, a rare gameday-activated role that must reside on the 53-man roster. His performance in preseason games will be critical to securing that role.
His combination of athleticism, intelligence, and character, along with strong camp and preseason performances, makes him a candidate to remain and develop into a reliable backup in future seasons.
Beaux Collins – Wide Receiver – New York Giants
Background and College Career
Height / Weight: 6′3″ / 201–206 lbs.
Totaled 41 catches for 490 yards and 3 touchdowns in 16 games at Notre Dame in 2024. Also posted 91 catches for 1,290 yards and 11 touchdowns in three seasons at Clemson.
Prep standout at St. John Bosco HS (Bellflower, CA), where he learned advanced offensive concepts from an early age.
Played running back and linebacker before moving to wide receiver, giving him a physical, contact-ready style.
Draft and Contract Situation
Went undrafted in the 2025 draft but signed a three-year deal worth $3 million with the New York Giants as an Undrafted Free Agent.
One of five undrafted wide receivers added by NYG (Da’Quon Felton, Jordan Bly, Juice Wells, Dalen Cambre).
Training Camp Rise
Immediately earned first-team reps during rookie minicamp, carrying momentum into training camp.
Injuries to Malik Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Jalin Hyatt opened additional opportunities; Bryce Ford-Wheaton’s Achilles tear created a roster opening.
Through six camp practices, Collins was widely regarded as the most impressive UDFA receiver.
Notable Praise and Highlights
Art Stapleton: “Best practice of any Giant today… fierce blocker in the run game… offense’s sideline exploded with cheers in his direction.”
The Giant Insider: “Best UDFA wide receiver… several standout plays, outmuscling defenders… big gains from both Russell Wilson and rookie Jaxson Dart.”
Russell Wilson: “Shown some unbelievable growth.”
Brian Daboll: Calls Collins a “young professional” who “handles his business the right way… smart, tough, picked up our system quickly.” He continued by praising Collins’ size, speed, and change-of-direction for a bigger WR.
Known for intense, fearless blocking, he is described as a “throwback” player who will “throw his body around” to set the tone.
Latest Camp Updates
Limited during Day 10 of camp, alongside Darius Slayton.
Did not participate in the Giants’ 12th camp practice ahead of the preseason opener.
Playing Style and Fit
Strong catch radius, physicality in contested situations.
Uses linebacker/running back background for aggressive run blocking and toughness.
Special teams play will be key to making the roster.
Has been used across all offensive groups in camp, lining up at multiple WR spots.
Roster Outlook
Competing for one of the final wide receiver spots behind Nabers, Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, and return man Ihmir Smith-Marsette.
Main competition: Juice Wells, Da’Quan Felton, Jordan Bly, Dalen Cambre, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Montrell Washington, Gunner Olszewski, Zach Pascal.
Collins is emerging as a frontrunner thanks to his polish, blocking toughness, and steady camp production.
Quote on Transition to the NFL
“It’s insane. I grew up watching Russ on TV when I was this tall… First couple times, I missed the feel with him just because of the speed of the game, but I really love catching passes from him. It’s amazing.”
Preseason Stats
Collins didn’t see any playing time in New York’s preseason game against the Bills.
Jordan Clark – Slot Cornerback – New York Jets
Background and College Career
Height / Weight: 5’9” / 184 lbs.
College Journey: Spent five seasons at Arizona State before transferring to Notre Dame for a sixth and final year. Across 56 collegiate games, totaled 176 tackles, 22 passes defended, and 4 interceptions (1 returned for a touchdown); at Notre Dame, added 37 tackles, 1 INT, and 5 pass break-ups in 16 games.
Notable Lineage: Son of longtime NFL safety and current ESPN analyst Ryan Clark.
Draft and Contract Situation
Went undrafted in the 2025 draft but signed a three-year deal worth $2.98 million with the New York Jets as an Undrafted Free Agent.
Training Camp and Preseason Highlights
Positional Focus: Head coach Aaron Glenn has treated Clark from the start as a slot cornerback specialist, honing his instincts and short-area quickness.
In a practice on July 31, Clark deflected a pass that led to an interception by Marcelino McCrary-Ball, highlighting his awareness and playmaking in the slot.
Roster Projection: Preseason roster predictions list Clark as the No. 2 slot cornerback behind Michael Carter II, suggesting he’s on track to make the 53-man roster despite being undrafted.
Camp Resilience: Faced tough practices, but his father—also a former undrafted player—notes Clark’s capacity to process adversity mentally and grow confident over the offseason.
Skill Set and Evaluation
Technique & Fit: While lacking elite speed, excels in short-area quickness, tackling, instincts, and processing in the slot.
Areas to Refine (from scouting reports): Needs improvement in run-through tackling and avoiding over-pursuit; coverage efficiency improved in his final season.
Adaptability: Has experience in multiple defensive back roles—nickel corner as primary, with coverage experience in both safety and perimeter situations.
Roster Outlook
A surprise undrafted free agent success story; likely to secure the No. 2 slot corner role behind Michael Carter II, with special teams potential enhancing his value early on.
Howard Cross III – Defensive Tackle – Cincinnati Bengals
Background and College Career
Height / Weight: 6′1″ / 285 lb.
Son of former Giants tight end Howard Cross Jr., a Super Bowl champion.
Excelled at Saint Joseph Regional High School—a state champion wrestler and New Jersey Player of the Year.
Played six seasons at Notre Dame (2019–2024): 65 games, 35 starts, 169 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 4 pass deflections, and 3 forced fumbles. Senior season: 28 tackles (14 solo), 5.5 TFL, 4 sacks—helped anchor a defense that held 12 opponents to 17 or fewer points en route to the National Championship game.
Two-time Second-Team All-American (2023, 2024); known for wrestling-based leverage, high football IQ, and relentless motor.
Path to the NFL and Contract
Went undrafted in 2025 but signed with the Bengals on a three-year, $2.985 million deal on May 9th.
His reunion with defensive coordinator Al Golden—his defensive coordinator for the last three seasons at Notre Dame—strengthens his standing in Cincinnati.
Training Camp and Preseason Development
Reunited with Golden and quickly grabbed reps in training camp as the Bengals look to fill the fifth defensive tackle spot.
Coaches noted his early impact: “The undrafted Cross has caught the coaches’ attention in camp (he took half the snaps Thursday and had an assisted tackle).”
Photographed frequently during camp drills, highlighting his steady participation in team work.
Strengths and Projection
High character, battle-tested, strong technique—especially hand work and leverage from wrestling background.
Plays above his size with strong interior penetration and effort, especially effective in rushing the passer.
Candidate to make the 53-man roster or, at minimum, a strong candidate for the practice squad.
Max Hurleman – Running Back – Pittsburgh Steelers
Height / Weight: 5′11″/ 200 lbs.
College Summary:
Began his career at Colgate, where he played four seasons (2020–23), rushing for 814 yards with 1 TD on 194 carries (3.8 yard avg.), caught 80 passes for 841 yards and 3 touchdowns, returned 18 kickoffs for 308 yards, and 26 punts for 215 yards.
He then transferred to Notre Dame in 2024, where he appeared in 16 games, recorded 13 tackles (11 solo), and returned 23 punts for 138 yards (6.0 yard avg.)
After going undrafted, Hurleman signed a three-year $2.96 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers following a tryout during rookie minicamp.
He’s quickly become “the camp darling,” showing versatility on both defense and special teams - handling punt returns, playing corner, and making plays, including letting a punt drop at the 10-yard line rather than taking a fair catch.
In the Steelers’ preseason game against the Eagles, Hurleman caught 2 balls for 29 yards and 1 TD.
RJ Oben – Defensive End – Kansas City Chiefs
Height / Weight: 6′3″/ 255 lbs.
College Summary:
Spent three years (2019–2022) at Duke, where he compiled 67 tackles, 20 TFL, 14 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and 1 interception.
Transferred to Notre Dame in 2024, where he played 16 games: 19 tackles (10 solo), 1 sack.
Pre-draft scouting notes describe him as a developmental pass rusher with good length and hand technique, though some concerns remain about his explosiveness and leverage.
Oben received a rookie minicamp invite from the Kansas City Chiefs.
As of now, no news has emerged about him progressing to training camp, signing a contract, or participating in preseason reps—so he remains at the minicamp stage.
Mitch Jeter – Kicker – Minnesota Vikings
Height / Weight: 5′11″ / 195 lbs.
College Summary:
Attended South Carolina for four years (2020-2023) before transferring to Notre Dame as a graduate student in 2024.
He finished his collegiate career with 36-for-46 on field goals and 131-for-135 on extra points.
Jeter was invited to the Minnesota Vikings’ rookie minicamp.
There’s no public update yet on whether he moved on to a training camp roster or participated in Vikings preseason activities, so his status remains unchanged since the minicamp stage.
Kris Mitchell – Wide Receiver – Las Vegas Raiders → Seattle Seahawks
Height / Weight: 5′11″/ 182 lbs.
College Summary:
Played at FIU from 2019 to 2023, where he caught 100 passes for 1,663 yards and 11 touchdowns over 38 games.
Transferred to Notre Dame in 2024, where he pulled in 22 catches, 224 yards (10.2 yard avg.), 2 touchdowns across 16 games
Mitchell went undrafted but was invited to and signed a rookie minicamp deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Most recently, Mitchell received another opportunity with the Seattle Seahawks, who are bringing him in for a workout aimed at evaluating him ahead of training camp opportunities.
With 6 players drafted, 3 signed undrafted free agents, and 4 more prospects with a shot to make a regular-season squad, Notre Dame continues to grow their professional footprint. As the 2025 NFL preseason unfolds and the regular season takes shape, check back here at the Irish Tribune for updates on Notre Dame’s latest additions to the league.
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