Notre Dame-only NFL mock draft 2022: Projecting where Kyle Hamilton, Kyren Williams and others will go
The Irish have sent 20 players to the NFL in the last three drafts. Brian Kelly built a strong program, and that should continue under first-year coach Marcus Freeman.
Kelly took over in 2010, and his last draft class features star safety Kyle Hamilton, who is in line to be the 10th first-round pick in that stretch. Hamilton will be the first defensive back from Notre Dame taken in the first round since Harrison Smith in 2012.
SN’s Vinnie Iyer projects five Irish players to be drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. That includes quarterback Jack Coan and second-team All-American running back Kyren Williams. Here is a closer look at where each one might land:
NFL Notre Dame mock draft 2022
Kyle Hamilton, Safety
- Lions, No. 2 overall, first round
Hamilton’s junior season was cut short by a knee injury in 2021, but he flashed enough talent in seven games. That included a two-interception performance against Florida State on Labor Day. Hamilton is 6-4, 220 pounds, and he has range to match that size from sideline to sideline. He ran a 4.59 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, which could raise some questions. He makes up for that with natural instincts at the position. The ability to close fast against the run is a major plus. Hamilton is the ultimate safe pick for the Lions at No. 2.
Jack Coan, Quarterback
- Panthers, No. 137 overall, fourth round
Coan made the most of his one season with the Irish. He passed for 3,150 yards, 25 TDs and seven interceptions. Coan has prototype quarterback size at 6-3, 220 pounds, and he was a good decision-maker with the football. Coan had 48 TDs and 15 interceptions at Wisconsin and Notre Dame. Coan ran a 4.9 in the 40 at the NFL Combine, but he’s not known as a mobile quarterback anyway. Coan should settle in as a career backup, and Carolina offers a logical place to make that transition. He’s the seventh quarterback off the board, and the second one on Day 3.
Kyren Williams, Running back
- Falcons, No. 151 overall, fifth round
Williams was a SN second-team All-American selection each of the last two seasons. He averaged 1,013 rushing yards and 336 receiving yards with 31 total TDs the last two seasons, and he was a complete back in the Irish’s offense. Williams ran a 4.65 at the NFL Combine, a time he trimmed down to 4.54 at his Pro Day. SN has Williams as the 10th running back off the board. At that point, Williams is a value pick of sorts with some upside given the production on the field.
Kevin Austin, Wide receiver
- Eagles, No. 162 overall, fifth round
Austin took advantage of his opportunity as a senior with 48 catches for 888 yards and seven TDs. He averaged 18.4 yards per catch for his career with the Irish, and the 6-foot-2, 215-pound receiver ran a 4.43 at the NFL Combine. This draft is flush with high-end talent at the receiver position, but Austin is one of those Day 3 value picks that could shine for a receiver-needy team.
Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, Edge rusher
- Cardinals, No. 256 overall, seventh round
Tagovailoa-Amosa had his best season as a fifth-year senior for the Irish. He finished with 2.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss and was a team captain. The 6-2, 268-pounder could be a tweener between defensive end and defensive tackle, but he would need to put on more weight. He could stick as a rotational pass rusher with an impressive preseason.