2021 NFL draft: Handful of Notre Dame prospects should entice Chargers
Since Tom Telesco took over as the Chargers general manager back in 2013, he’s made it well known that he covets players from Notre Dame.
Since then, Telesco has drafted or signed nine players from the prestigious university — Manti Te’o, Chris Watt, Donte Vaughn, Alohi Gilman, Asmar Bilal, Drue Tranquill, Isaac Rochell, and Jerry Tillery.
“It’s a great program. Brian Kelly is a heck of a head coach. The whole program is really well run. We have some pretty good contacts there so we hear about all the kids,” Telesco said.
This year, The Fighting Irish, once again, boast a handful of prospects that should very well be on Los Angeles’ radar, particularly on the offensive and defensive line.
Notre Dame has seen some of their own offensive linemen go on to being among the league’s best with the likes of Quenton Nelson, Ronnie Stanley, Zack Martin, among others.
The tradition could continue with four hog mollies in this year’s draft, with offensive tackle Liam Eichenberg leading the pack.
Arguably one of the most consistent left tackles over the past two seasons, on over 900 pass-blocking snaps in that span, Eichenberg allowed only 27 pressures. Consistent in both the pass and run department, he has the make up of a starter in his rookie season.
Playing right next to Eichenberg was guard Aaron Banks, who also possesses the skillset to start from Year 1.
Banks allowed just two sacks in 844 snaps in his final season. The first-team All-American is a rugged, good-sized mauler as both a pass protector and run blocker who won’t lose many one-on-one battles.
The other two members on the offensive line, guard Tommy Kraemer and tackle Robert Hainsey, might not be starters right off the bat, but they have the upside to be reliable when called upon in that role.
Kraemer started 42 of 45 games at both right guard and right tackle. A body-mover in the run game, Kraemer’s combination of size, physical traits and versatility will be enticing for an offensive line coach to work with.
Due to his lack of length and athleticism, Hainsey’s best fit is inside at the next level, but he has the ability to play multiple positions across the offensive line. He might not be a Day 1 starter, but his consistency and versatility will go a long way.
Staying on that side of the ball, the Bolts might benefit from tight end Tommy Tremble, even if they do decide to keep Hunter Henry.
During two seasons, Tremble only recorded 35 catches for 401 receptions. However, he was a key piece of their dominant run game. Outside of his outstanding blocking skills, Tremble does a lot of things well that will intrigue, as he can catch the ball in space and has good athleticism.
Switching gears to defensive side of the ball, Notre Dame possesses two defensive linemen that would be great pieces up front for the Chargers, Daelin Hayes and Ade Ogundeji.
Hayes, who has already met with Los Angeles, amassed 17 total tackles, three sacks, six tackles for loss, an interception, a pass deflection, and two forced fumbles en route to helping The Fighting Irish reach the College Football Playoffs.
While his game is still raw, Hayes’ combination of physicality, athleticism and position versatility, could be major factors that are already in store that help him develop into a valuable contributor with the necessary coaching.
Meanwhile, Ogundeji led the team in sacks this past season (7). While he hasn’t handled a handful of reps throughout his career, he has the skillset that should be appealing to defensive line coaches, as he is a lengthy defender with the explosiveness and effort against the pass and run.
