flag
back Back
SI has 6 Notre Dame standouts in latest mock NFL draft
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA;  Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Leonard Moore (15) breaks up a pass against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lambeau Field.  Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated recently revealed his third mock NFL draft through the first two rounds, and six Notre Dame standouts are included.

Cornerback Leonard Moore, quarterback CJ Carr, offensive lineman Anthonie Knapp, safety Brauntae Johnson, edge Boubacar Traore and linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa were selected for the US LBM Coaches Poll No. 8 Fighting Irish.

Moore and Carr are projected first-round picks, while Knapp, Johnson, Traore and Viliamu-Asa are potential second-round draftees.

Here are the likely NFL team destinations that Manzano for each Notre Dame star:

CB Leonard Moore, No. 5 pick - Washington Commanders

“This would be a dream scenario for Washington, which desperately needs help on the back end of the defense. Moore seems to be the safest defensive prospect in this class. He has the size (6'2", 197 pounds), athleticism and coverage skills to be a shutdown outside corner for years to come. All eyes will be on what Moore does against Miami’s Malachi Toney in their Nov. 7 showdown in South Bend.”

QB CJ Carr, No. 10 pick - Arizona Cardinals

Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr celebrates after scoring a touchdown during a NCAA football game against Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in West Lafayette.

“I think Carr might be the fourth-best quarterback in this year’s class because he doesn’t stand out physically with average size (6'2", 215 pounds) and arm strength. But scouts consider him the safest QB option because of how well he reads defenses. Coach Mike LaFleur just spent three seasons working with Rams coach Sean McVay, who values accuracy and high-level decision making before and after the snap. Carr, who has completed 66.8% of his passes for 1,639 yards, 16 touchdowns and only one interception, could hit the ground running and run LaFleur’s scheme efficiently.”

OL Anthonie Knapp, No. 33 pick - Los Angeles Chargers

Notre Dame offensive lineman Anthonie Knapp (54) celebrates a Notre Dame touchdown during a NCAA college football game between Notre Dame and Louisville at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in South Bend.

“The Chargers get off to a perfect start to the draft with (Ohio State WR Jeremiah) Smith and Knapp, who has flourished at left guard this season. The 6-5, 305-pound lineman started two years at left tackle before moving inside.”

S Brauntae Johnson, No. 39 pick - Los Angeles Rams (from Houston)

Notre Dame safety Brauntae Johnson celebrates with the team after winning a NCAA football game 58-7 against Stanford at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, in South Bend.

“At 6-2, 200 pounds, Johnson has the size and versatility NFL teams covet for safeties. He needs to be a better playmaker at the line of scrimmage, but he’s excellent in coverage and capable of playing slot cornerback. Arizona needs more defensive backs like Johnson.”

DL Boubacar Traore, No. 42 pick - Los Angeles Rams

Oct 10, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Boubacar Traore (5) intercepts a pass against the Stanford Cardinal during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

“The Rams may let Byron Young walk in the offseason to pay other players on their roster. That would create a hole opposite Myles Garrett. Traore has the attention of NFL scouts due to his strength, versatility and enticing size at 6-5, 253 pounds.

LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, No. 49 pick - Cincinnati Bengals

Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (27) with the ball after intecepting a pass as North Carolina Tar Heels running back Jaylen McGill (27) defends in the first quaret at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

“Look for Viliamu-Asa to put on a show at the combine. He’s a fast playmaker with a nose for the ball. Scouts are intrigued by Viliamu-Asa’s 6-3, 234-pound frame and his various traits.”

You may like

Jets Have Obvious Offensive Change to Make to Unlock Unit's Full Potential

si.com 1 hour ago

Seahawks Trade Deadline Big Board: 10 Win-Now Players to Target

si.com 2 hours ago

Caleb Williams is Top 5, Shade for Josh Allen & More National Reactions to Bears QB's Ascension

si.com 1 hour ago

Packers-Lions Final Injury Report: Zaire Franklin Out; Backups Thrown Into Fire

si.com 2 hours ago

Former Cowboys Star Trevon Diggs Released From Seahawks Practice Squad

si.com 1 hour ago

Former Clemson offensive lineman released by the Minnesota Vikings

aol.com 35 minutes ago

Enemy Insider: Critical Questions Oklahoma State Fans Must Know Answered by a Colorado Expert

si.com 1 hour ago

Why Woody Marks Could Take Over Texans' Starting RB Job in Week 7

si.com 6 minutes ago

The First 7 Games Have Redefined Expectations for Houston Football in 2026

si.com 2 hours ago