Nate Tice from Yahoo! Sports has put together his first edition of his top-40 NFL Draft prospects and two Notre Dame players are on the list, with a third garnering honorable mention.
Cornerback [autotag]Benjamin Morrison[/autotag] is first at No. 13. Tice likes his ability to press receivers and lock them down in man coverage, and he also praises his technique and speed, along with his balance and footwork.
Morrison’s only negative, according to Tice, is size.
Quarterback [autotag]Riley Leonard[/autotag] slots in at No. 23. Tice says it’s a stretch but that Leonard’s “size, traits and natural accuracy” combined with a thin QB class made the reach feel short. Tice also suggests that Leonard will shine in South Bend behind a much better offensive line and with more reps.
My top 40 big board for the 2025 NFL draft is now up on @YahooSports.
Hope you like trench play!https://t.co/O0E6H2GHdy
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) August 22, 2024
Tice says Leonard has shown flashes, and now he’ll have the chance to really grow with the Irish.
Tight end [autotag]Mitchell Evans[/autotag] was given honorable mention, though it’s not clear where he’d fit, since Tice listed the first five off in alphabetical order.
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