Notre Dame Football: Early look at top 5 prospects for 2023 NFL Draft

Nov 20, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Michael Mayer (87) crosses the goal line for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

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The 2023 NFL Draft is still a year away and there are a few Notre Dame football stars who could be in the first-round conversation.

The 2022 NFL Draft only saw two Notre Dame football players get drafted in Kyle Hamilton and Kyren Williams. While that’s very unlike the Irish in recent years, it had a lot to do with some major prospects opting to return for one final season.

Brian Kelly is now gone and Marcus Freeman takes over a talented roster with 5-10 legitimate draft prospects, but I’m here to talk about the top five.

These guys will almost undoubtedly hear their names called in 2023.

Jayson Ademilola probably could have entered the 2022 NFL Draft and gotten a favorable projection, but he decided to return for another year.

The senior defensive lineman had a breakout season in 2021, recording 50 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks. In the three seasons leading up to 2021, he had 56 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, and a sack. So it’s safe to say he knocked his senior campaign out of the park and he wants to prove that it wasn’t a fluke.

Ademilola isn’t the tallest defensive lineman at 6-foot-3, but his 280-pound frame will have him more than ready to take on NFL offensive linemen.

I could see him as a Day 2 pick next year, especially if he builds on this breakout season.

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