Notre Dame football NFL draft picks: 5 prospects to watch out for on Day 3 ft. Cam Hart
The 2024 NFL Draft has already been a productive one for Notre Dame. Sorted down from tackle Joe Alt, who was taken with the fifth pick, the Irish will add another handful of alums to the NFL. Many of those players are yet to be chosen. In fact, here are five Notre Dame players to watch for on Saturday's third day of the NFL Draft.
5 Notre Dame prospects to watch for on Day 3
1 Cam Hart, CB
A 6-foot-3 cornerback with 4.5 second 40 yard dash speed, Hart will likely be an early pick on the third day of the draft.
A three-year starter at Notre Dame, Hart broke up 19 passes for the Irish. He had 91 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, but only a pair of interceptions.
Hart has struggled with shoulder injuries, which is always a concern. Hart has every tool, but has sometimes struggled to be an impact player in game action. His potential will get him onto an NFL roster, but he'll have to be more consistent and smooth to stick in the league.
2. Audric Estime, RB
Estime rushed for 2,321 yards and 29 touchdowns at Notre Dame. He was a full-time starter only in 2023, but had 920 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2022. In his junior season, he then improved to 1,341 yards and 18 scores.
He's something of a power runner, at 222 pounds and just 5-foot-11. His 40 yard dash time of 4.71 at the Combine was a bit alarming, but he improved to 4.61 at pro day.
The question with Estime will be whether his field vision and acceleration will allow him to run outside as well as inside. As an insider, he'd be out of fashion in the NFL. But there's reason for optimism on further development for Estime. He's a likely fourth round pick.
3. JD Bertrand, LB
Bertrand started for three seasons at Notre Dame. He posted 259 tackles in those seasons, including 23 tackles for loss and six sacks. A two year captain, Bertrand led Notre Dame in tackles for each of the last three seasons.
Bertrand is just 6-feet tall and is a bit undersized for the NFL. He's more skilled against the run than dropping in coverage.
Bertrand's physical limitations will probably make him a situational player in the NFL, but he is still one with value. He's a likely day three pick for a team needing a run-stuffing linebacker.
4. Marist Liufau, LB
A two-year starter at Notre Dame, Liufau had 118 tackles and 12 tackles for loss at Notre Dame. His senior season included 44 tackles, 6 tackles for loss and three sacks. Lifau is 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, but still ran a 4.64 second 40 yard dash.
Liufau needs to develop his instincts and play-making skills to contribute at the next level. He struggled badly in zone coverage at times, but never lacked intensity and aggressiveness.
Liufau will see special teams snaps but will have to work his way to a larger role. He's a likely day three pick.
5. Sam Hartman, QB
After five seasons at Wake Forest, Hartman transferred to South Bend for the 2023 season. His college totals of 15,656 yards and 134 scores attest to his excellence. Hartman had only a so-so season in South Bend, finishing with 2,689 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Hartman is only 6-foot-1 and has adequate but not extensive arm strength. He has an extensive medical history involving blood clots and will turn 25 before his first NFL season begins.
Hartman could be a game changer QB in the NFL and will definitely get a good shot at the league. He's a wise third-day pick for a team short on QB depth.
Who's your pick from the Fighting Irish on Day 3? We'd love to hear your thoughts below in our comments section!