Incoming transfer QB headlines Notre Dame stars in latest ESPN 2025 NFL mock draft

Even though the 2024 college football season has yet to kick off, predictions for the 2025 NFL Draft are already heating up. After this season concludes, the country's leading underclassmen will become eligible for the NFL. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are hoping a strong campaign will bring representation early in the 2025 draft.

ESPN's latest mock draft had two Notre Dame stars headlining its first round. Which familiar faces made the cut?

Two Notre Dame Fighting Irish Make First Round NFL Mock Draft

Matt Miller of ESPN 's first mock draft has quite the surprise for Notre Dame fans. Although one top playmaker is considered a likely top 32 player, the other is a newcomer looking to rehab his stock.

Benjamin Morrison Projected to Pittsburgh Steelers

The first Notre Dame prospect goes 13th overall to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cornerback Benjamin Morrison is a heckuva defender, boasting great play strength and ball skills. With nine picks over two seasons, he's set himself apart from his peers since entering college football.

Miller especially likes his pairing with Joey Porter Jr., and I agree. Morrison has what it takes to fill what's been a gigantic hole for Pittsburgh for years. This outcome wouldn't be surprising, and it's hard to imagine Morrison not ending up in the first round.

Riley Leonard Makes 2025 First Round NFL Draft Appearance

Alright, this one is shocking. Coming from Duke this offseason, quarterback Riley Leonard is not someone who is firmly in the discussions of scouts I've talked to. A year ago, yes, we looked at him as a potential top-60 pick.

However, the 2023 season was difficult for Leonard. He's a good athlete with solid accuracy, but his injury history, relatively average arm, and lack of high-end traits make it a tough sell today. He may land there, but Leonard has to show off quicker processing and be less stiff overall.

With Leonard going to New York in Miller's mock, he has him as the future replacement for Aaron Rodgers. This could make some sense, and the Irish would be pumped to see Leonard play well enough to leap into being the 20th overall pick.