Notre Dame Football: Where will the Irish’s draft prospects land?

6. Cain Madden: Late Round/Priority Free Agent

It is hard not to look at Madden’s career and not see a team taking a flyer on him late in the draft, knowing his biography. The Ohio native walked on at Marshall and became an All-American. Not only did Madden become a solid starter, but he was also the anchor of an offensive line beset by a litany of injuries.

Madden is nicknamed “dump truck” for a reason. His squatty frame and style of play make the name appropriate. Despite being undersized at 310 pounds, Madden is difficult to move in the interior of the offensive line. He can move defensive tackles 30 and 40 pounds heavier than he is. 31 reps on the bench indicate how strong he is.

Madden is a throwback in the mold of a Mark Schlereth or Nate Newton. He pulls well and is aware enough to pick up stunts, twists, and blitzes. Madden does an excellent job of cutting off backside pursuit in zone blocking schemes.

That said, Madden is not a great athlete and is smallish for the NFL; a team could draft him late or bring him in as a free agent and hope he develops into a solid backup.