Notre Dame Football: Top 5 prospects for 2020 NFL Draft

1. Chris Finke, WR

If there’s any indication as to where senior Chris Finke may go in the 2020 NFL Draft, it may be former Clemson receiver Hunter Renfrow’s fifth round selection by the Oakland Raiders. Finke and Renfrow, who are similar in both playing style and storyline, competed against one another as the front-runners for the 2018 Burlsworth Trophy (awarded to the most outstanding player who began his career as a walk-on).

Since Finke and Renfrow aren’t the same player and a player’s selection in any given draft is influenced by both class strength and positional need, Finke could go anywhere from round four to UDFA consideration depending on how he performs in 2019.

What we do know is that Finke took a huge step forward in 2018 after being somewhat of an afterthought in the two years prior. Much like Claypool, Finke’s 400 yard jump from 2017 to 2018 isn’t a matter of fluke or inconsistency, but rather a reflection of his potential under a more refined quarterback such as Book.

Finke proved himself to be a reliable option on third downs while also serving as a capable punt returner. The latter isn’t likely to be a part of his game in the NFL, but Finke’s reputation as a consistent presence in the slot should be enough for a team to take a flier on him if he puts forth a season similar to last year. An even better year will only raise his stock in the eyes of the NFL.

Honorable Mentions: Here are a few players who didn’t make the list due to uncertainty regarding when they would declare, small sample sizes, etc.

• Ian Book – Shorter quarterbacks are getting more and more chances at the NFL level, but Book must refine some aspects of his game and prove that 2018 wasn’t a fluke.
• Alohi Gilman – Gilman plays the game harder than most, but his somewhat unorthodox style will require a very specific suitor.
• Liam Eichenberg – Eichenberg was up against it this past season, consistently lining up against some of the nation’s greatest defensive talent. The NFL is likely in his future, but 2019 will play a significant role in determining exactly when that will be.

The Irish should have a loaded class next year after making yet another College Football Playoff run.