Ranking 2025 NFL Draft's top 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish players who were undrafted on day 1 ft. Riley Leonard

The first day of the 2025 NFL draft was uneventful for Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish didn’t have any players selected in the first round. But that situation figures to change in the later rounds, as the Irish have several outstanding prospects likely to be drafted.

At the center of discussion is quarterback Riley Leonard. Leonard is part of a very uncertain QB class that saw Miami's Cam Ward go No. 1 and be joined in the first round by Ole Miss's Jaxson Dart.

Leonard is among a group of quarterbacks expected to be drafted later, with uncertain NFL futures. Here’s a look at him and other top Notre Dame prospects.

Top 3 Notre Dame NFL Draft prospects not selected on day one of 2025 draft

Xavier Watts had an outstanding season for Notre Dame and should be drafted on Friday. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

1. Xavier Watts, S

A two-year starter, Watts has been among the nation's most productive defensive backs over the last two seasons. In 2024, he recorded 82 tackles and broke up 16 passes, including six interceptions. He totaled 188 tackles and 31 pass breakups in his Notre Dame career.

Watts stands 6 feet tall and weighs just over 200 pounds. His 4.58-second 40-yard dash isn’t blazing, but it’s solid. Many mock drafts project him in Round 2, but ESPN ranks him as the 38th-best prospect available, which would suggest Round 3. Either way, he's nearly certain to be picked on Friday.

2. Benjamin Morrison, CB

A three-year starter at Notre Dame, Morrison’s stock would be higher had he not missed most of his final season due to a hip injury. In two and a half seasons, he amassed 84 tackles and 27 pass breakups.

Watts is just over 6 feet tall but is thin, weighing around 190 pounds. The injury issue may linger, but he’s been an outstanding college cornerback whose game should translate well to the NFL. He’s generally slated for round three in many mock drafts, but ESPN is more optimistic, ranking Morrison as the No. 31 prospect after round one, which could see him sneak into round two.

3. Riley Leonard, QB

A transfer from Duke, where an ankle injury sidelined him for much of his junior season, Leonard had an excellent season at Notre Dame. He threw for 2,861 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 906 yards and 17 scores.

Leonard is an intriguing prospect. At over 6-foot-3 and nearly 215 pounds, he has a solid, athletic build. The complexities of NFL defenses and pocket protection will require some adjustment, but he has supporters at the next level. Leonard is projected to be a likely fourth or fifth-round pick, who could hear his name on Friday but is more likely to wait until Saturday.

What do you think of Notre Dame's NFL hopefuls? Share your take below in our comments section!