Notre Dame NFL Draft Recap - A Look At The Irish Picks

The Irish Breakdown Podcast delivers a comprehensive recap of Notre Dame's 2026 NFL Draft class, highlighting the success of six Fighting Irish players drafted and several undrafted free agents. The episode opens with a celebration of Notre Dame's strong draft performance, particularly on the offensive side, with Jeremiah Love going third overall to the Arizona Cardinals and Jadarion Price selected 32nd by the Seattle Seahawks—making them the first two running backs from the same school taken in the first round. The hosts praise the strategic fits, especially Love’s high-value contract and Price’s explosive skill set complementing Seattle’s backfield. They analyze Malachi Fields’ third-round pick by the New York Giants as a perfect fit for their lack of size at wide receiver, and Eli Raritan’s selection by the Patriots as a vertical weapon to pair with Hunter Henry. Billy Strouth and Gabriel Rubio’s late-round picks are lauded for their potential, with both seen as high-upside, injury-prone players whose health could unlock significant value. The episode also touches on the broader implications of Notre Dame’s depth and talent, setting the stage for future success under head coach Marcus Freeman. The hosts conclude with a preview of upcoming position-by-position breakdowns and a themed daily mailbag format. The discussion underscores a shift in NFL priorities toward running backs and physical receivers, with the hosts arguing that teams like the Cardinals and Patriots made smart, forward-thinking picks. They emphasize the importance of player development, consistency, and the intangibles that Notre Dame instills in its athletes. The episode ends on a hopeful note for the future of the program, with the hosts confident in Notre Dame’s ability to sustain a competitive run given its talent pipeline and strong draft outcomes. The tone is upbeat and enthusiastic, celebrating both individual achievements and the program’s growing national relevance in the NFL landscape.