Tag: Liam Eichenberg

Falcons 2021 potential draft pick profile: OT Liam Eichenberg

One possibility for the Atlanta Falcons in the 2021 NFL draft would be selecting an offensive tackle like Liam Eichenberg in the second round.

One possibility for the Atlanta Falcons in the 2021 NFL draft would be selecting an offensive tackle like Liam Eichenberg in the second round. Eichenberg could be a piece that allows Jake Matthews to move inside to left guard and gives the Falcons five talented offensive linemen again. A true left tackle might not seem like a need, but the Falcons may be shifting things up front.

OT Liam Eichenberg, University of Notre Dame

6-foot-6, 302 pounds

Stats and Awards

2020: 12 Games Started at Left Tackle, Jacobs Blocking Award, First-team All-American, First-team All-ACC

2019: 13 Games Started at Left Tackle

2018: 13 Games Started at Left Tackle

2017: 5 Games Played along multiple spots

2016: Redshirted

Highlights: Vs. Georgia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1Z6tAGoAIE

 

Strengths

Eichenberg is a great pass blocker and would be an instant starter at the NFL level. He’s got an exceptional anchor against bull rushers with excellent footwork and hand technique in his pass sets. He’s able to knock back speed and power rushers with his heavy hands. Teams will love how he can neutralize almost any pass rusher in one-on-one situations.

As a run blocker, Eichenberg attacks defensive linemen like they owe him money. He’s ferocious and has exceptional power when he’s smacking around linebackers and defensive ends. His balance both at the line and the pop out of his stance are unmatched in this draft. The way he gets to the second level shows good technique in zone and man-blocking roles.

The instincts that Eichenberg has will allow him to instantly impact a team as a starting left tackle. He might be one of the best left tackles to come out in years as an all-around package that can fit into either scheme. His length allows him to project well at left tackle, and his fit on the blind side might be better than any other player in the draft.

Weaknesses

Left tackle is the only position that really fits for Eichenberg’s skill set. While he is a good fit for a lot of schemes, he’s not going to be an ideal fit on the interior for any team, and isn’t a great fit on the right side. His athleticism is good enough, but not off the charts, and that may make him less appealing to zone teams.

Leadership

Eichenberg was a captain for the Fighting Irish and would be a perfect fit in the locker room for the Falcons. He is an extremely competitive player, and it’s easy to see in his run blocking. He’s got a nastiness that most players at the college level don’t show. He fights to and even beyond the whistle and isn’t afraid to go against anyone.

Overview

NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: Ronnie Stanley

Eichenberg is a perfect fit for the Falcons left tackle spot and looks to have a 10-year career ahead of him in that role. Much like Ronnie Stanley, he wins with excellent technique and utilizes his long arms. Both guys are good run blockers who can seal an edge if need be and make blocks at the second and third levels.

How Eichenberg would fit into the Falcons’ plans

If the Falcons want to get Eichenberg in the draft, they may have to trade up into the bottom of the first round to get him. However, if he’s there at pick No. 35, he would be a perfect fit. Atlanta could instantly be able to slide him in at left tackle in the offense and would have to move Pro Bowl left tackle Jake Matthews to guard, but might be upgrading both spots.

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Two Notre Dame stars go in first round of latest Mel Kiper, Jr. mock draft

Not one but two?

The question lately in regards to Notre Dame and the NFL draft is whether or not the Irish will have a player selected in the first round.

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah appeared to be a lock and personally I still think he is based on what his film shows, but more analysts have been leaving him out of day one, however.

That doesn’t go for Mel Kiper, Jr. however as one of the most-known for projecting the annual NFL draft has not one but two Notre Dame players having their names called on opening night.

First, he has Owusu-Koramoah going to the Jets at 27 overall, a pick they acquired from the Seahawks.

Just four picks later he has the Kansas City Chiefs selecting tackle Liam Eichenberg with the 31st overall pick, a move that makes a lot more sense after they cut former first overall pick, Eric Fisher, earlier this month.

I’m on board with Owusu-Koramoah going in round one but as someone who wants to see the Butkus Award winner thrive professionally, I really hope he goes somewhere other than to the lowly Jets.

It’d be a nice event to see Eichenberg get first round love but even with Kansas City’s newfound hole on the line I’d be surprised if he was their plan to fix it.

Related:

All Notre Dame’s first-round NFL draft picks since 1980

CBS Sports updates NFL mock draft, Notre Dame sees no first rounders

Wait, what?

The majority of NFL mock drafts that many of have seen heading into the meat of the virtual combine has seen at least one Notre Dame football member, linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, being selected in the first round. As CBS Sports Ryan Wilson has expanded his mock draft to three rounds, no Irish players are projected in his first round.

This is a bit shocking, as the majority of draft analysts have JOK going somewhere in the drafts opening salvo. How the most recent Butkus Award winner and consensus All-American could drop out of the first-round is beyond comprehension.

Wilson has the linebacker being selected early in the second round, pick 35, to the Atlanta Falcons. In my estimation, there is no way that JOK falls that far in the draft.

Offensive tackle Liam Eichenberg is the next projected former Irish player to go off the board, reuniting with teammate Cole Kmet in Chicago with the Bears. At pick 52 in the second-round, this is a bit low, but much more reasonable projection as to where Eichenberg will get selected.

The final Notre Dame player Wilson has mocked is Tommy Tremble. The tight end is projected to land in the third round to the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 88th overall pick.

Both Eichenberg and Tremble’s slots are legit, but having JOK fall out of the first-round is downright criminal.

CBS Sports updates NFL mock draft, Notre Dame sees no first rounders

Wait, what?

The majority of NFL mock drafts that many of have seen heading into the meat of the virtual combine has seen at least one Notre Dame football member, linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, being selected in the first round. As CBS Sports Ryan Wilson has expanded his mock draft to three rounds, no Irish players are projected in his first round.

This is a bit shocking, as the majority of draft analysts have JOK going somewhere in the drafts opening salvo. How the most recent Butkus Award winner and consensus All-American could drop out of the first-round is beyond comprehension.

Wilson has the linebacker being selected early in the second round, pick 35, to the Atlanta Falcons. In my estimation, there is no way that JOK falls that far in the draft.

Offensive tackle Liam Eichenberg is the next projected former Irish player to go off the board, reuniting with teammate Cole Kmet in Chicago with the Bears. At pick 52 in the second-round, this is a bit low, but much more reasonable projection as to where Eichenberg will get selected.

The final Notre Dame player Wilson has mocked is Tommy Tremble. The tight end is projected to land in the third round to the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 88th overall pick.

Both Eichenberg and Tremble’s slots are legit, but having JOK fall out of the first-round is downright criminal.

2021 NFL draft: Handful of Notre Dame prospects should entice Chargers

Since 2013, Chargers general manager Tom Telesco has drafted or signed nine players from the prestigious university.

Since Tom Telesco took over as the Chargers general manager back in 2013, he’s made it well known that he covets players from Notre Dame.

Since then, Telesco has drafted or signed nine players from the prestigious university — Manti Te’o, Chris Watt, Donte Vaughn, Alohi Gilman, Asmar Bilal, Drue Tranquill, Isaac Rochell, and Jerry Tillery.

“It’s a great program. Brian Kelly is a heck of a head coach. The whole program is really well run. We have some pretty good contacts there so we hear about all the kids,” Telesco said.

This year, The Fighting Irish, once again, boast a handful of prospects that should very well be on Los Angeles’ radar, particularly on the offensive and defensive line.

Notre Dame has seen some of their own offensive linemen go on to being among the league’s best with the likes of Quenton Nelson, Ronnie Stanley, Zack Martin, among others.

The tradition could continue with four hog mollies in this year’s draft, with offensive tackle Liam Eichenberg leading the pack.

Arguably one of the most consistent left tackles over the past two seasons, on over 900 pass-blocking snaps in that span, Eichenberg allowed only 27 pressures. Consistent in both the pass and run department, he has the make up of a starter in his rookie season.

Playing right next to Eichenberg was guard Aaron Banks, who also possesses the skillset to start from Year 1.

Banks allowed just two sacks in 844 snaps in his final season. The first-team All-American is a rugged, good-sized mauler as both a pass protector and run blocker who won’t lose many one-on-one battles.

The other two members on the offensive line, guard Tommy Kraemer and tackle Robert Hainsey, might not be starters right off the bat, but they have the upside to be reliable when called upon in that role.

Kraemer started 42 of 45 games at both right guard and right tackle. A body-mover in the run game, Kraemer’s combination of size, physical traits and versatility will be enticing for an offensive line coach to work with.

Due to his lack of length and athleticism, Hainsey’s best fit is inside at the next level, but he has the ability to play multiple positions across the offensive line. He might not be a Day 1 starter, but his consistency and versatility will go a long way.

Staying on that side of the ball, the Bolts might benefit from tight end Tommy Tremble, even if they do decide to keep Hunter Henry.

During two seasons, Tremble only recorded 35 catches for 401 receptions. However, he was a key piece of their dominant run game. Outside of his outstanding blocking skills, Tremble does a lot of things well that will intrigue, as he can catch the ball in space and has good athleticism.

Switching gears to defensive side of the ball, Notre Dame possesses two defensive linemen that would be great pieces up front for the Chargers, Daelin Hayes and Ade Ogundeji.

Hayes, who has already met with Los Angeles, amassed 17 total tackles, three sacks, six tackles for loss, an interception, a pass deflection, and two forced fumbles en route to helping The Fighting Irish reach the College Football Playoffs.

While his game is still raw, Hayes’ combination of physicality, athleticism and position versatility, could be major factors that are already in store that help him develop into a valuable contributor with the necessary coaching.

Meanwhile, Ogundeji led the team in sacks this past season (7). While he hasn’t handled a handful of reps throughout his career, he has the skillset that should be appealing to defensive line coaches, as he is a lengthy defender with the explosiveness and effort against the pass and run.

Where Notre Dame products go in latest PFF mock draft

Owusu-Koramoah is seen by every draft expert that we’ve seen as a first-round pick while Eichenberg is seen as a second-round pick, going as high as 34th overall to the Jets in some mocks.

The closer we get to the NFL draft, the more and more it seems that the experts in breaking it down have come to the conclusion that they think two Notre Dame players will have their names called in the first two rounds.

Those names are of linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and offensive tackle Liam Eichenberg.

Owusu-Koramoah is seen by every draft expert that we’ve seen as a first-round pick while Eichenberg is seen as a second-round pick, going as high as 34th overall to the Jets in some mocks.

Pro Football Focus released their latest mock draft on Monday and had those two both going in the first two rounds.  Here is where they had each going and why their respective selections make sense.

18.  Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah – Miami Dolphins

Owusu-Koramoah has been a game-changer for Notre Dame over the past couple of seasons, serving as the “rover” in the Fighting Irish defense. He has shined in every single facet of play, but especially so in coverage. In that role, Owusu-Koramoah predominantly manned the slot, where he earned the third-highest coverage grade in the FBS. He allowed only five first downs across 200 slot coverage snaps with an interception, four forced incompletions and four passing stops in 2020.

He’s an explosive and versatile weapon that I’m sure Brian Flores wouldn’t mind having in his defense.

Related: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Photo Gallery

54.  Liam Eichenberg – Arizona Cardinals

Kyler Murray has dropped some subtle hints on Twitter that he would be in favor of the Cardinals bolstering the offensive line via the draft early in 2021. Right tackle Kelvin Beachum is set to hit the open market in March, and Arizona could try to slide 2019 third-rounder Josh Jones at guard for 2021. If that’s the case, then this pick should be dedicated to Eichenberg, who has an extremely high floor.

From a technical standpoint, Eichenberg is as polished as they come — that’s the key reason why he logged an 89.9 PFF grade in 2020. If we take out his Week 6 performance against Florida State when he played with a swollen-shut left eye, and Eichenberg is one of the few tackles to earn a grade above 87.0 as both a pass- and run-blocker. He’ll be available in Round 2 because the athleticism is nowhere near some of the other tackles in this class, but he is bound to have NFL success thanks to how advanced he is.

We’ve seen many who have Owusu-Koramoah being Miami-bound.  The Dolphins need for a receiver could also play into this being his eventual landing spot or not.

Arizona is in desperate need of offensive line help as discussed and Eichenberg may not be the same level of a prospect as some in recent Notre Dame classes but should provide stability to a team that is in need of it.

Colts’ 7-round mock draft following Carson Wentz trade

Updated mock draft after the Carson Wentz trade.

The Indianapolis Colts made a major move on Thursday when they agreed to trade two draft picks to the Philadelphia Eagles for quarterback Carson Wentz.

Now that they have their quarterback of the immediate future, it’s time to figure out how the Colts might go about the draft. Of course with free agency yet to arrive, it isn’t all that clear how the team will go about using their selections.

But with Wentz as the quarterback now, the draft could go a bit differently as they focus on other positions. Using The Draft Network’s mock draft machine, here’s an updated mock draft following the Wentz trade:

Colts trade back, pick OT Liam Eichenburg in The Athletic mock draft

Colts move back and find their LT.

Through the early part of the offseason, there has been a lot of talk about the Indianapolis Colts potentially trading up in the 2021 NFL draft to select a quarterback.

While that’s a possibility, there is the same amount of potential that they trade back from No. 21 overall. We know how much Chris Ballard loves those picks and if they aren’t moving up to get a quarterback, this move should be highly considered.

In the latest mock draft from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, the Colts did just that—trading back with the Buffalo Bills to No. 30 overall.

Buffalo receives:
2021 first-round pick (No. 21 overall

Indianapolis receives:
2021 first-round pick (No. 30 overall)
2021 third-round pick (No. 93 overall)
2021 fifth-round pick

30. Indianapolis Colts (from BUF) — Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame

Several of the Colts’ options at left tackle were scooped up before their pick at No. 21, but in this scenario they able to move back, pick up extra draft picks and land a solid tackle option. Eichenberg has only average athletic traits, but his veteran awareness and strong hands help him win the point-of-attack.

In the very real possibility Ballard trades back to add picks, Eichenberg would be an intriguing target. He’s a pro-ready prospect at offensive tackle and would be the immediate replacement for the retired Anthony Castonzo from the jump.

Eichenberg brings sound technique, toughness and a polished game to the NFL. According to Pro Football Focus, he didn’t allow a sack in his final two seasons at Notre Dame.

It wouldn’t be a sexy pick, but Eichenberg should certainly be on the radar for the Colts if they trade back.

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ESPN releases preseason SP+. Is Notre Dame football in the top 25?

A projection by ESPN puts Notre Dame significantly lower than many other preseason polls that have been released.

Now that the final signing period has seen the majority of prospects make their decisions, it really is time to turn the page on the 2020 college football season and look ahead to 2021.

ESPN’s Bill Connelly looked ahead and used the SP+ projections to rank every school (insider).

Their method needs some introduction, as SP+ isn’t very transparent about what it is. Three major components are used to formulate SP+: returning production, recent recruiting and recent history.

Taking that into account, the Irish placed inside the top 25, barely. Remember, these rankings will be significantly different than many others we will see heading into the season, so being 25th isn’t something you should get discouraged about.

Connelly breaks down Notre Dame’s ranking, 10 spots behind Mark Schlabach’s, by explaining “SP+ utterly hated their performances against Clemson and Alabama to finish 2020, dropping them from fourth in early December to 16th.” That explains a portion of the lower than normal ranking, the final two games left a sour taste in everyone’s mouth.

What about future performance?

“They (Notre Dame) lost more production than almost anyone in the country.” Connelly noted just four schools are behind the Irish in that category.

How about some good news heading into the 2021 campaign? Connelly does “still assume they (the Irish) will play at a top-20 level,” outperforming their SP+ projected rank. It wasn’t all good however, as “this does suggest that their floor might temporarily be lower than we’ve seen in recent years.”

If the floor is winning more than 10 games and competing in a high-level bowl game, I think we’ll all take that. With the aforementioned big personnel losses such as quarterback Ian Book, offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg and linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, there will be some drop-off in production.

However, with Brian Kelly’s recent run of very solid recruiting classes, there is still talent in South Bend. The 2021 team will need to get some of the inexperienced players’ feet wet, and the Irish should enjoy another successful season this year.

Latest USA TODAY Mock Draft sees pair of Irish go in top-44

The latest edition has a pair of former Notre Dame stars being selected in the first two rounds of the NFL draft, one on day one with the other having his name called in the second round.

USA TODAY has released their post-Super Bowl mock draft, a two-round compilation where each NFL team addresses their biggest needs.

The latest edition has a pair of former Notre Dame stars being selected in the first two rounds of the NFL draft, one on day one with the other having his name called in the second round.

This mock draft has Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah going in the first round at number 18 overall to the Miami Dolphins.  18 is about as high as we’ve seen Owusu-Koramoah being selected in any mock drafts so far this year.

It also sees offensive tackle Liam Eichenberg being selected in the second round, going 44th overall to the Dallas Cowboys.  Zack Martin remains a force on the Cowboys offensive line but the powerhouse it was as a unit not long ago isn’t the case these days as this fit would make plenty of sense.

Related:
How Notre Dame players measured out at Senior Bowl

Will two Notre Dame players go in the first two rounds of this coming NFL draft?

Or could it be more?

Or just one?

Time will tell but one of the best at putting talent in the NFL will be doing so with plenty more again this spring.