Tag: Blake Fisher

Offensive line named biggest liability for Notre Dame in 2024

Do you agree?

Every college football program has a weakness from the best to the worst. That’s why Big Game Boomer, who has published one college football list after another on social media, decided to determine the biggest liability for every Football Bowl Subdivision program and put it all into a list.

When it came time to pick Notre Dame’s biggest liability in 2024, Big Game Boomer opted to go with the offensive line:

At first, one might scoff at the idea of the Irish having weak offensive linemen. Then, you remember that the corps lost [autotag]Joe Alt[/autotag] and [autotag]Blake Fisher[/autotag] to the NFL. What’s left is a group consisting of a few upperclassmen but a lot of freshmen and sophomores. Indeed, [autotag]Joe Rudolph[/autotag]’s job has gotten tougher.

Irish fans undoubtedly will be concerned if the offensive skills players can’t do what they’re able to because their blockers failed them. There’s a reason those players always credit those blockers when they’ve had a big game. Without them, they’re nothing.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.

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Texans training camp: Tytus Howard excited about offensive line’s progression

Tytus Howard is excited to see the direction of the Houston Texans’ offensive line entering 2024.

If any position group must stay healthy in 2024, it’s the Houston Texans’ offensive line.

Eight different rotations took the field in 2023 en route to an AFC South division title. Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud did enough to evade consequential damage while running for his life on certain Sundays.

Tytus Howard missed 10 games last season due to multiple ailments, including a season-ending knee injury.

Kenyon Green, Houston’s 2022 first-round pick out of Texas A&M, missed the entire season after suffering a shoulder strain in the final preseason game against New Orleans.

Juice Scruggs, Kendrick Green and Jarrett Patterson all spent time on the injured reserve, with Scurggs finishing the season out of his natural center position due to need.

Even Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil missed two games because of a knee issue that’s kept him out of offseason seasons.

So yes, the Texans must have stability in the trenches if they expect to win more than the division. Howard, however, feels like Houston is ahead of schedule since nearly everyone is healthy.

“We’re in a whole better place,” Howard said after Tuesday’s practice, the first in shoulder pads and first open to fans. “We’ve got all the guys healthy right now. We’ve got that camaraderie. We’ve been playing together for a year. I’m just happy to be a part of the O-line this year, healthy.”

Howard, Houston’s first-round pick in 2019, might face the most pressure heading into 2024. Last offseason, he inked a three-year extension worth $56 million to remain a fixture on the offensive for Stroud entering the DeMeco Ryans era.

A broken hand kept him out most of training camp. A knee injury sidelined him starting in November until last week when players reported for camp.

Since being drafted out of Alabama State, Howard’s played one entire season in Houston. Even then, he only played seven snaps in the 19-14 win over Tennessee on Christmas Eve after leaving in the first quarter.

Howard knows he’ll need to stay healthy if he plans on sticking around Houston long after the 2024 campaign. He’s feeling healthy after rehabilitating the knee earlier this spring and is trying to control what’s in his reach.

“I’m doing what I can do to stay healthy and play the best I can play,” Howard said. “But I feel like the O-line’s in a good place right now, and we’re only going to get better.”

The projected starting five include Shaq Mason, Scruggs, Howard, Kenyon Green and Tunsil. So far, four of them have seen nearly every rep against the first-team defense coming out of the huddle.

With Tunsil sidelined, second-round pick Blake Fisher has seen a majority of reps in his place. Ryans considers these reps valuable, even if the former Notre Dame star serves as a backup this season.

Howard remembers the transition from college to training camp and how much dialogue goes into preparation. Now entering Year 6, he’s been pleased with how Fisher has carried himself through practice, even after a bad rep.

“We’ve been pouring into him, and he’s getting better every day,” Howard said. “He’s learning a lot from me and LT. He’s going to be a great player himself, too.”

As for Tunsil, Howard knows his running mate on the opposing side will be back when near 100%. That might be the best plan, especially given the history of Houston’s injury woes.

“I think they’re just taking his stuff a little different, but LT’s doing great,” Howard said. “He’s in great shape; he’s feeling good.”

With Laremy Tunsil sidelined, Texans turn to potential long-term replacement Blake Fisher

The Houston Texans are giving their rookie offensive tackle first-team reps with Laremy Tunsil on the mend.

Several scouts applauded the Houston Texans’ selection of Notre Dame offensive tackle Blake Fisher in April’s draft, stating that his rookie campaign would essentially be a “redshirt” season.

Fisher, a second-round pick who started 27 games during his three seasons at Notre Dame, likely would have been considered a Day 1 talent in 2025 if he returned for his senior season. Instead, he’ll see what the daily life of an NFL player is like before potentially seeing full-time action next fall.

But much like in college, NFL teams will burn the redshirt tag if injuries stockpile. Right now, the Texans are without Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil on the mend, meaning Fisher must step up in his place at practice.

“I’ve seen a guy who’s been versatile,” Ryans said of Fisher following Friday’s practice “If you can play left and right tackle it helps, especially if you’re our third tackle, you never know what may happen on gameday as you saw with our offensive line last year.”

Fisher became the youngest player in Irish history to start at left tackle during his true freshman season. A knee injury suffered against Florida State sidelined him for the remainder of the year, thus opening the door for eventual No. 5 overall pick Joe Alt.

Tunsil, a four-time Pro Bowler on the blindside,  underwent an arthroscopic knee procedure on a nagging knee injury and is in recovery. He missed two games last season but managed to play through the pain while helping Houston clinch its first division title since 2019.

Ryans said Tunsil should be good to go for Week 1’s road trip to Indianapolis, but that doesn’t mean Fisher can’t benefit from seeing reps with the projected starters. Shaq Mason was the only member of the offensive line to start all 17 games and play his natural right guard position.

Experience is the best teacher and right now, Fisher’s in class. Several courses include taking on bull rushes against All-Pro defensive end Danielle Hunter and defending double moves versus reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr.

Texans NFL Draft grades: Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame 59th overall

Texans NFL Draft grade for selecting Notre Dame OT Blake Fisher in the second round

The Houston Texans have made it a top priority to surround their franchise quarterback in C.J. Stroud with plenty of talent, and they managed to do so again with more protection for the young signal caller with the selection of Notre Dame offensive tackle Blake Fisher.

Fisher projects as a potential immediate starter at right tackle should the Texans want to kick current right tackle Tytus Howard inside to his more natural position at guard and allow the rookie to take over. Fisher does need some development and could be a liability if thrust into action right away, so it’s likely his camp and preseason will tell the story of his first NFL year.

Long, strong, and ferocious in both the run and passing game, Fisher has the tools needed to be a productive right tackle at the next level. There are times on film when Fisher gives up too much ground early or overcommits to an initial rush move and allows defenders to cross over him. Fisher will need some work to be NFL ready Week 1, and isn’t a slam dunk Week 1 starter.

Grade: C+

Texans select OT Blake Fisher with 59th overall pick in 2024 NFL draft

The Houston Texans have found a potential long-term right tackle with the addition of Notre Dame offensive lineman Blake Fisher.

Teams win within the trenches. It’s why the Houston Texans are building up their lines en route to competing for the Super Bowl.

The Texans selected Notre Dame offensive tackle Blake Fisher with the 59th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Fisher, a two-year starter for the Irish, now is expected to compete for reps at right tackle while serving as a swing tackle.

During his time in South Bend, Fisher started 27 games, 26 of which came on the right side of the offensive line. The 6-foot-6 tackle was a standout during his junior season, allowing three sacks and two pressures.

Fisher said conversations with the Texans began back in Indianapolis at the scouting combine for a formal visit. He later had a Zoom interview with the Texans earlier this month. He said during his interview with the local media that he remains close with former Notre Dame and current Texans lineman Jarrett Patterson.

Fisher was exceptional as a run blocker during his time with the Irish. He has great length and a good balance to win against both defensive tackles and shiftier edge rushers.

The Texans don’t need Fisher to start right away, but having a succession plan in case of injury isn’t the worst plan. Tytus Howard has missed time over the past two seasons, including suffering a season-ending knee injury against Jacksonville in mid-November.

Fisher, who started his career as a left tackle while at Avon High School, said he’d be willing to move inside the guard if asked. For now, he’ll serve as a stable swing tackle option as Houston prepares to secure another AFC South title.

NFL Draft: Houston Texans pick Notre Dame’s Blake Fisher in 2nd round

Big Blake has a new home!

The second round of the 2024 NFL draft saw a second Notre Dame offensive lineman selected. Tackle [autotag]Blake Fisher[/autotag] was selected 59th by the Houston Texans.

Fisher started at right tackle the last two seasons for Notre Dame after being the starting left tackle for the Irish to start the 2021 season, his freshman year. An MCL injury in that first game at Florida State sidelined Fisher until the Fiesta Bowl of that season. By time he returned, Joe Alt had emerged as a force at left tackle.

Fisher checked in at 6 feet, 6 inches and 310 pounds at the NFL combine.  He’ll be tasked with helping protect quarterback CJ Stroud after an all-time rookie year for the former Ohio State quarterback.

[lawrence-related id=85448,85415]

Commanders hosted Notre Dame OL Blake Fisher on a top 30 visit

Joe Alt gets the recognition but Blake Fisher could be a steal on Day 2 of the draft.

The storyline surrounding the Washington Commanders this offseason has been centered around the quarterback position and the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

However, Washington has been focused on other positions, too. The Commanders were active in free agency, addressing a 4-13 roster by signing over 20 external free agents and allowing some of their own top free agents to depart.

One area Washington didn’t address in free agency — outside of re-signing veteran Cornelius Lucas — was offensive tackle. Lucas has started 31 games at left and right tackle during his four seasons in Washington, but is best suited to be the team’s swing tackle.

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With a deep offensive tackle class in the draft, the Commanders are rumored to be interested in using some of their nine draft choices to move back into the first round to select one of the top tackle prospects.

Washington has hosted multiple offensive line prospects on top-30 visits, and we recently learned of another visit: Notre Dame offensive tackle Blake Fisher, according to Matt Freeman.

Fisher is a 6-foot-6, 310-pound redshirt sophomore who left the Fighting Irish with two years of eligibility remaining. In 2021, Fisher became the first player in school history to start at left tackle as a true freshman, but unfortunately suffered a knee injury and redshirted.

He took over as Notre Dame’s right tackle the past two seasons, starting a combined 25 games. He and Joe Alt proved to be one of the best tackle duos in college football.

Fisher is extremely athletic and talented. With strong coaching, he could prove to be a steal on Day 2 of the draft. Currently, the Commanders have five selections in the second and third rounds.

Fisher has the potential to be a long-term starter at either tackle spot in the NFL. There is some technique work that needs cleaning up, but Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network sees the upside with Fisher, ranking him as his No. 54 overall prospect in a loaded offensive tackle class.

 

Lions draft prospect of the day: Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame

Fisher gets overshadowed by linemate Joe Alt, but he’s a very promising prospect in his own right

Today’s Lions Draft Prospect of the Day is overshadowed by a more prominent teammate in this class but is a very strong prospect in his own right. 

The focus for these potential Lions prospects is on players who should hold some appeal for Detroit in the draft. Not all will be top-100 players. This one figures to be, even if not all current projections reflect that. 

Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame

Height: 6-foot-6

Weight: 310 pounds (measured at NFL Scouting Combine)

Notre Dame’s starting right tackle for the past two seasons, playing opposite likely top-10 pick Joe Alt on the left side, Fisher started out playing left tackle for the Fighting Irish. He was the first true freshman to start the season opener at left tackle. Unfortunately, he tore his right meniscus in that game and missed the rest of the season. Fisher has stayed healthy and grew into a legit prospect in the last two years.

Fisher turned 21 in March. He met with the Lions at the combine and also during Notre Dame’s pro day.

 

What I like

  • Long build with arms over 34″ and large hands
  • Quick feet and lateral range in both the run game and pass protection
  • Has some jolt to his punch
  • Really good hip/shoulder coordination and fluidity for a taller tackle
  • Understands how to expand his angles without lunging or losing balance
  • Really good at pulling and engaging in space on the move
  • Keeps nice spacing and coordination on combo and duo blocks
  • Very rarely fooled by the pass rush; good football IQ
  • Decent anchor strength and he does a great job keeping his feet active while engaged
  • Technical consistency improved quite a bit as 2023 progressed
  • Plays with confidence and passion

What worries me going into the NFL

  • Will play too tall at times, negating his length and power advantages
  • Takes time to reset his long arms and recover if beaten initially
  • More of an occupier (but very adept at it) than a true people mover in the run game
  • Last guy moving at the snap too often, though that did improve as his career progressed

Overall

Fisher has optimal length and good athleticism to play either tackle spot. While he played right tackle for the Fighting Irish, he might project better as a left tackle in the NFL Fisher has nice feet and good foundational discipline, though he sometimes gets too tall. Most of his negatives are as much functions of inexperience as they are technical flaws, and his athletic upside gives Fisher a higher ceiling than most Day 2 tackles.

All the feedback I got from NFL sources after Notre Dame’s pro day was that Fisher will indeed be a Day 2 pick, perhaps quite a bit earlier than current projections would indicate. For the Lions, he’s an ideal developmental tackle who can potentially adapt at guard if needed. The ability to play right or left tackle and move well enough to play any scheme makes him a very appealing sleeper–as much of a sleeper as a Notre Dame lineman can be.

 

Patriots reportedly hosting OT prospect on top-30 visit Friday

The Patriots are hosting a potential OT draft prospect on a top-30 visit on Friday

The New England Patriots are reportedly hosting Notre Dame offensive tackle Blake Fisher on a top-30 visit on Friday, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Fisher could fill a glaring need for the Patriots along an offensive front that looked like one of the worst in the league down the stretch last season. Granted, the group was hampered with a slew of injuries, but the lack of quality depth and youth came back to bite them in the end.

The Patriots are hosting Fisher, along with North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, who could be within reach with the team owning the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

Former Patriots quarterback Mac Jones’ struggles were well-documented, but a big reason for his problems under center was the lack of consistency in pass protection. If New England does decide to take another quarterback in the first round, they must do a better job of keeping a cleaner pocket.

Going after a talented offensive tackle like Fisher, who is projected as a Day 2 target, would be a major step towards doing so.

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 42, Notre Dame OT Blake Fisher

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Notre Dame offensive tackle Blake Fisher.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.

The 2024 NFL Draft is loaded with offensive tackle talent. With Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom on the roster, the Green Bay Packers don’t have a pressing need at the position. 

With those two entrenched as the two starting tackles, the Packers need to find their swing tackle. 

A potential prospect that the Packers could target in the upcoming draft is Blake Fisher. The Notre Dame offensive tackle checks in at No. 42 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

A four-star recruit from Indiana, Fisher finished his career at South Bend with 27 career starts at right tackle. 

“Fisher’s presence can’t be understated,” Liam Gaudet, the senior editor for The Irish Tribune, said. “He’s certainly a leader and has been since his commitment to Notre Dame years ago. He was one of the first commits in his class to take the reins and start recruiting other talent to South Bend, so he’s a Notre Dame man through and through. He’s beloved by his fellow teammates who are likely sad to see him go, but happy that he’s chasing his dreams a season early.”

At 6-5 with 34-inch arms, Fisher looks the part of an NFL offensive tackle. He has the frame that NFL teams are looking for and has the tools in the shed to develop into a cornerstone piece along the offensive line. 

“Fisher’s athleticism is his greatest strength and is part of the reason he was so highly touted out of high school,” Gaudet said. “At 6-6 and 310-pounds, he put together a quality combine that played to his strengths – his agility despite his size. With some polishing, he’ll translate into a quality tackle at the next level.”

Fisher pops out of his stance in pass protection and has the lateral quickness to protect the corner. With his length, he’s able to get into the chest plate of defenders to stop them in their tracks. He showed improved awareness in pass protection during his tenure at South Bend. 

“Fisher’s work in pass protection has vastly improved since he first arrived on campus,” Gaudet said. “He proved that he can protect well against quality opposition this year, but would like to see him improve off the ball. As mentioned, his athleticism allows him to be great when he needs to be a mobile blocker, especially when pulling or getting downfield. Another year at Notre Dame would have helped him round out his technical skills from a pure blocking standpoint.”

Fisher has good movement skills and is powerful at the point of contact. He’s a people mover as a run blocker. He’s comfortable getting out in space and knocking defenders out of the way. 

“Fisher is a versatile blocker in the run game, and never takes a play off,” Gaudet said. “He’s very good at keeping his eyes downfield and pushing toward the second level once his assignment is accounted for.”

Fit with the Packers

The Packers need to add depth behind Walker and Tom. Considering the fact that the Packers haven’t drafted an offensive lineman in the first round for 13 years, there is a good shot they wait until Day 2 or Day 3 to add an offensive tackle. If that’s the case, Fisher checks a lot of boxes with his age (21), frame and athleticism. 

“I’d draft Fisher simply for his value based on the depth of talent at the tackle position this year,” Gaudet said. “This is a guy who is likely a late first-rounder if he stays another season, but will likely be a steal due to the depth of the class. With a developmental curve of about a season or two, this is a starting NFL tackle.”

The Packers are a Walker or Tom injury away from having a glaring hole at left or right tackle. They need to fortify the offensive line and adding a player like Fisher would go a long way in ensuring that the offensive line wouldn’t turn from strength to weakness if an injury happened to Tom or Walker.