The bowl season gives fans and scouts alike a chance to analyze NFL Draft prospects against solid competition. Bowl scheduling allows all eyes to be on each game. Here are the NFL Draft prospects in the CFP First Round: Indiana at Notre Dame.
Mikail Kamara, EDGE
Kamara started his career at James Madison, where he played for four seasons. Before this season, he followed head coach Curt Cignetti to Indiana. In 2024, Kamara has impressed at his new level of play with 15 tackles for loss and 10 sacks.
At 6-foot-1 and 265 pounds, Kamara doesn’t have the height and length desired for an NFL edge rusher. He has a filled-out frame and that strength will help his stock along with his production. His ability to get better this season while joining the Big Ten is a good sign for his future. He is a projected mid to late-round pick.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
Kurtis Rourke, QB
Rourke was at Ohio for four seasons to start his college career. He played well for the Bobcats and was named 2022 MAC Player of the Year. Before this season, he transferred to Indiana. He has been a great player for the Hoosiers, passing for 2,827 yards, 27 touchdowns and four interceptions on 70.4 percent completion.
At 6-foot-5 and 223 pounds, Rourke has solid size for an NFL quarterback. His accuracy has really stood out on tape this season. He protects the football well, although he doesn’t have the strongest arm or mobility. Rourke could be a late-round pick that could have a chance to make a roster.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Other Draft Prospects: DL CJ West (6th-UFA), LB Jailin Walker (6th-UFA), WR Elijah Sarratt (6th-UFA), LB Aiden Fisher (6th-UFA), RB Justice Ellison (6th-UFA), DL Marcus Burris (UFA), OT Trey Wedig (UFA), RB Ty’Son Lawton (UFA)
Xavier Watts, S
Watts joined Notre Dame in 2020 and has stuck with the program over the last several seasons. He jumped into the starting lineup at the end of the 2022 season, then was one of the best defensive backs in the country for 2023 and 2024. This season, Watts has registered 49 total tackles, nine passes defended and five interceptions.
At 6-foot and 203 pounds, Watts has solid size for an NFL safety. His instincts and ball skills help him make plays on the ball and stick out among other safeties. He is good in deep zone coverage, even without elite range. Watts has done enough to warrant consideration on day two of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Second Round Pick-Third Round Pick
Howard Cross III, DL
Like Watts, Cross has been in the Notre Dame program for a long time. He joined the Fighting Irish in 2019, got his first start in 2021, then played a larger role over the last three seasons with the program. In 2024, Cross has 23 total tackles, six tackles for loss and four sacks.
Cross is an undersized NFL defensive lineman at 6-foot-1 and 288 pounds. He lacks strength, but has natural leverage to help him win. Cross also moves quickly for a defensive lineman. His size may limit his draft stock, but he still can be drafted in the middle rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
*CB Benjamin Morrison is a projected first-round pick, but will not play in this game due to an injury.
Other Draft Prospects: DL Rylie Mills (3rd-5th), TE Mitchell Evans (5th-7th), EDGE RJ Oben (6th-UFA), QB Riley Leonard (6th-UFA), LB Jack Kiser (6th-UFA), LB Jaylen Sneed (6th-UFA), WR Beaux Collins (6th-UFA), OT Pat Coogan (6th-UFA), P Bryce McFerson (UFA), OT Tosh Baker (UFA), WR Kris Mitchell (UFA)
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