The NFL Scouting Mix kicks off on Thursday in Indianapolis. The mix has turn into one of the vital anticipated occasions through the NFL draft course of. It’s the place groups can see all the highest prospects work out and get one-on-one interviews with them. This gives an opportunity for prospects to make actually good impressions and enhance their draft shares. Many gamers, together with a number of Notre Dame, are hoping to lift their values throughout this yr’s mix.
In whole, eight former Preventing Irish gamers are set to take part within the 2025 NFL Scouting Mix. Listed below are the notable gamers to observe throughout this yr’s occasions.
Riley Leonard, QB
Essentially the most fascinating Notre Dame prospect this draft cycle is quarterback Riley Leonard. On account of Leonard’s management capacity and persona, coupled with a weak quarterback total, there’s a actual probability Leoanrd can soar up draft boards. He had an honest Senior Bowl efficiency going six for seven for 54 yards. He impressed scouts along with his footwork, pocket presence, management, and soccer IQ.
His efficiency within the Senior Bowl has already improved his draft inventory. He went from a late-day three-pick to a mid to early-day three-pick. Nevertheless, there’s nonetheless numerous room to develop. The most important factor he has to point out is his throwing capacity. He has to point out scouts that he’s gotten higher, or at the very least can get higher. With Leonard throwing on the mix, it’s the proper alternative to quiet the doubters. Now it’s unlikely Leonard will climb a lot larger, however a robust mix could make him considered as a undertaking and go as early because the early fourth.
Benjamin Morrison, CB
Not like the opposite gamers on the listing, Benjamin Morrison doesn’t have to do something to enhance his draft inventory. All through the season, many considered him as a first-round choose. Some even noticed him probably sneaking into the highest ten if issues broke a sure manner. Nevertheless, midway by way of the season, it was introduced that Morrison was going to overlook the remainder of the season because of a hip damage that wanted surgical procedure.
The mix is a chance for Morrison to point out groups his rehab is on observe. He must go to the mix and remind individuals why he was a first-round expertise. The one knock on his resume is his hip damage. There are considerations he will be the identical participant he was at Notre Dame after this damage. It’s the one factor that might trigger Morrison to fall down draft boards. A robust mix efficiency could make groups much less apprehensive about his hip damage.
Mitchell Evans, TE
Mitchell Evans is the newest addition to the lengthy line of nice Notre Dame tight ends. Though Iowa is taken into account Tight Finish U, Notre Dame has a legit argument for that title. Whereas Evans isn’t on the identical stage as guys like Tyler Eifert or Cole Kmet, he does have numerous upside. He’s a big-bodied tight finish who generally is a drive each within the blocking and the passing sport. An ideal match for an offense that prioritizes two tight-end packages.
Presently, Evans is projected as a day-three choose. Some websites have him going as early because the fourth spherical, whereas others see him going as late because the sixth. Nevertheless, it gained’t take a lot for him to stand up the draft board. The most important considerations surrounding Evans are his athletic capacity and his route working. These are two expertise that’ll be examined through the mix. If Evans can have a robust showcase, he may turn into a day-two choose. If he can present that these considerations are overblown, he’ll simply be a man groups take a shot on.
Howard Cross III, DT
If the title Howard Cross III appears acquainted to you, it’s as a result of he’s the son of former NFL star Howard Cross Jr. He began for 5 years at Notre Dame and was a sport wrecker on their line of defense. He was a drive within the Irish run protection. Scouts have praised his fast actions, in addition to his capacity to get to hit the quarterback. With the league emphasizing the trenches, Cross is a participant that ought to entice groups.
Though Cross is an fascinating prospect there are considerations. He battled accidents all through the season, which can not look like a giant deal however is one thing that can flip groups off. They’re additionally involved about his dimension, and if it will probably translate to the NFL. If he measures decently and shows good expertise within the drills he can finish a few of these narratives. This can trigger him to rise from a sixth or seventh-round choose to a fourth or fifth-round choose.
Brian Germinaro is a sportswriter for Stomach Up Sports activities. Observe him on Twitter/X for extra sports activities protection and Stomach Up Sports activities for much more school soccer content material. Function picture credit score: Kara Durrette.
Featured Picture: Getty Pictures