5 Notre Dame players whose NFL draft stock could be impacted in the CFP title game

Notre Dame football made its most national championship-ready roster since the 2012 season. That Fighting Irish team had no shortage of up-and-coming NFL talent. This Notre Dame team brings its abundance of professional players.

Notre Dame has a chance to upset Ohio Stateplus ending a long title drought since 1988. But this highly anticipated contest comes with an NFL angle.

Major league scouts appear ready to take on a number of Irish players. Especially the five who were able to watch their stocks rise in the College Football Playoff title game.

Who are the five most capable of increasing their draft value in the CFP title game? These five picks are already playing an integral role in the Mercedes Benz Dome — and could have general managers, scouts and head coaches placing them high on their desks.

Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame quarterback

Notre Dame has established itself with an aggressive defensive identity under head coach Marcus Freeman. Beck Morrison is one who clearly embraces the culture established by Freeman. He is the best in 2025 NFL draft prospect on this ND roster.

Morrison earned a late grade in the first round from Bleacher Report. He is a versatile defensive player who has thrown 18 passes and nine interceptions in his career. Teams shouldn’t be concerned about his zero picks this season — as offenses noticeably throw off his upside.

But his stock is rising ahead of April’s draft for this big assignment: covering Jeremiah Smith. Morrison will cross paths with the Buckeyes’ explosive freshman. Freeman and ND defensive coordinator Al Golden prefer to run man coverage. Morrison is in the running for the best CB in this draft class by winning the battle over Smith.

Xavier Watts, Security

Watts is another key piece for one of the nation’s best defenses. Except Watts is a high-motor player known for setting the tone.

The 6-foot, 201-pound safety brings a nose to the football like a linebacker. Then he comes in a destructive mood. He is also smart at identifying short and intermediate passes and then preventing the opportunity to run after the catch.

Watts’ stock is rising by having more of Smith ahead of him. He will be tasked with wiping out any big chances Emeka Egbuka will have. Plus make OSU quarterback Will Howard play the short game instead of going deep. NFL teams will focus on Watts’ coverage ability and physical running in Atlanta.

Morrison and Watts are sure contenders for late day one, early day two. What about ND’s KB1?

Leonard will impress teams with his toughness. He returned to the Orange Bowl after suffering a terrible head injury and then led the way for the first touchdown of the second half. Teams will likely boast his running skills as well, with Leonard bringing a physical tight end-like running style.

Leonard, however, is hot and cold as a passer. He is has yet to top 230 passing yards this season. Leonard makes foul shots when under pressure. He’ll need to stay calm against a ferocious pass rush for his NFL stock to rise.

Mitchell Evans, tight end

Evans is another offensive prospect with a lot of NFL intrigue. Even more so because of his nature in TE.

Evans defends edge rushers mightily in the running offense, which opens up a lot of space for Leonard and ND’s running backs. But general managers and other personnel will fawn over his work inside the 20-yard line.

The 6-foot-5, 260-pounder is already a size mismatch against defensive backs and even running backs. But Evans shows strong peripheral vision in attacking soft spots in coverage while in the red zone. He then resorts to an NBA-like step-up maneuver to make the save and claim the ball with his huge hands. He has future NFL red zone scoring option written all over him.

Jeremiah Love, running back

Could Love entertain the idea of ​​coming out early, as a sophomore?

Love has grown into a star in this 12-team postseason tournament. The 6-foot, 206-pounder is a threat on the move – with Love scoring in 14 of ND’s 15 games this season. He has the build, aggressive running and a nose for the end zone that NFL teams are looking for…

Except Love has to wait until 2026 for the NFL draft. Love did not meet the mandatory three-year rule to become eligible for the draft. But by destroying OSU, he could start conversations about becoming the top RB in the ’26 class. Let alone a future first round selection.