As head coach Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame football continue to recruit and develop more high-level overall talent, we should see the results via the NFL Draft. When it comes to the 2027 NFL Draft, the early view looks very positive to potentially validate those efforts. This could be a resounding success in terms of development and putting outstanding football players on the NFL level.

Over the last several weeks, I have spent a considerable amount of time talking to sources around the league to get a gauge for how highly some of the top Fighting Irish stars are viewed for the next cycle. One thing became very apparent: The top of the group has a chance to be special. The early rounds could be littered with Notre Dame talent, which hasn’t always been the case in recent years.

Here is what I have gathered so far.

POTENTIAL FIRST ROUNDERS

It shouldn’t be much of a surprise, but All-American cornerback Leonard Moore is thought of highly in the scouting community. His combination of size, length, and movement skills is coveted highly. Notre Dame hasn’t had a cornerback selected in the first round since Tom Carter in the 1993 NFL Draft. Barring injury, that will change next April, and with an exclamation point.

Based on the feedback I have gathered, Moore might not be the only member of that secondary fighting for first round status. Redshirt sophomore safety Tae Johnson is also held in a high regard early on due to his unique combination of length, range, and ball skills. Who knows if Johnson would leave after the 2026 college football season, but if he does, it is probably because he is going to go very high. It wouldn’t be shocking to me if he eventually becomes the top safety in the 2027 class.

Yes, I have verified the love for Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr on the NFL level. While I don’t think he can unseat Arch Manning (Texas) as the top overall selection, I have little doubt that Carr would be taken high if he enters the 2027 class. His combination of arm talent, intelligence, and family background have him well liked around the NFL early on.

There was one somewhat surprising mention in terms of potential high rounders for Notre Dame next April: Junior linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa. While “KVA” is working back from an ACL injury, the NFL is infatuated with the versatility that he brings to the table. In a similar fashion to Arvell Reese from this past draft, Viliamu-Asa has had eye popping moments both on and off the ball for the Irish. Why Notre Dame hasn’t taken more advantage of his talent is beyond me.

One source called KVA the “best Notre Dame linebacker on the team, and it isn’t remotely close”. If he can get back healthy, it will be nice to see his talents put on full display. With the injury, it is uncertain if he will be a part of the 2027 class, but there is a path to being the top linebacker selected next April.

DRAFTABLE TALENTS

Of the remaining potential 2026 prospects, star pass rusher Boubacar Traore probably has the widest range of opinions right now. There are some who love his mix of length and explosiveness, while others want to see his pass rush repertoire and power profile to take a step forward. It wouldn’t be shocking to see him either be a top-50 overall selection or last until early on Day Three (rounds 4-7). 

Notre Dame safety Adon Shuler enters the 2026 season hovering around the top-100 pick mark. For anyone who has followed Shuler’s career, it’s impossible not to marvel over his intensity, leadership, and character. That’s why he will carve out a long NFL career, whether that’s as a good starter, core special teamer, or anything in between. Just how good of an athlete Shuler is remains the big question mark amongst NFL scouts that they want answered this season. 

Before last season, there were a lot of fans around the league of former Colorado cornerback DJ McKinney. Unfortunately for McKinney, he dealt with injury and inconsistency during the 2025 season. There was some top-50 hype for the talented cover man before 2025, but he heads into this year with a lot to prove. There’s mostly Day Three feedback across the league currently, but there’s also a big chance to rise based on his physical tools. 

Fellow cornerback Christian Gray also needs a huge season. There aren’t a ton of talent concerns around the league, but there are about Gray’s confidence and consistency. Gray moving inside to nickel does have some folks intrigued. He’s a wait and see prospect right now, who is viewed as a draftable player going into the year. 

Wide receiver Jordan Faison, linebacker Drayk Bowen, offensive linemen Anthonie Knapp and Guerby Lambert, and defensive end Bryce Young are also viewed as draftable prospects, although Knapp, Lambert, and Young are not expected to declare barring massive 2026 seasons. Even if they do, the majority of that group would probably return. 

With Faison set to focus solely on football for the first time in his athletic career, some NFL scouts are fascinated to see his growth. Faison’s experience as a punt returner only strengthens his chances to stick on the next level. Testing during the predraft process will be huge, and remains a big question mark at the moment. 

Bowen is a throwback linebacker with solid straight line speed, but he also has limited change of direction and he’s coming off of a shoulder injury. The scouts I’ve talked to are comfortable with him but not necessarily excited. He has the profile of a solid glue guy who will need to be a core special teamer to consistently stick. 

PFA EVERYONE WILL WANT

While he is projected as a PFA (priority free agent) right now, safety Luke Talich is a player very firmly on NFL radars. The 6-4, 210-pound defender has made a ton of plays on defense over the years, but his ability to stick will be determined by his impact on special teams. If you have followed Talich’s career in South Bend, you know that he has made a ton of plays in that department due to length, size, and tenacity.