Notre Dame football has produced 21 defensive backs taken in the NFL Draft since 2000.
Notre Dame football has long been a powerhouse in college football, known for producing a plethora of NFL-caliber players. Among the various positions that have helped build the Fighting Irish’s legacy, the defensive backfield has stood out as a notable contributor to the school’s draft success. Since the year 2000, 21 defensive backs from Notre Dame have been selected in the NFL Draft, a remarkable number that showcases the program’s ability to develop high-level talent in the secondary. These players have played pivotal roles both in college and in the NFL, making significant impacts at the professional level.
Early 2000s: Laying the Foundation
The 2000s marked the beginning of Notre Dame’s resurgence under head coach Bob Davie and later Tyrone Willingham. During this time, several players would set the tone for the future of defensive backs coming out of South Bend.
One of the earliest standout defensive backs of the new millennium was Shayne Graham (2001). Graham was a standout safety for the Irish and was drafted in the 4th round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. Though his career was more celebrated as a kicker later on, his journey exemplified the versatility and determination that Notre Dame defensive backs would continue to embody.
In 2002, Gerard Ross and Glenn Earl were drafted. Both were cornerbacks who represented Notre Dame’s defense, with Earl becoming one of the most important defensive backs for the team under Willingham. Earl’s hard-hitting style and ability to cover ground made him an early success, drafted in the 4th round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans.
2005–2010: A Transition Period
The period from 2005 to 2010 saw Notre Dame transition from the Willingham era to the Charlie Weis era. During these years, the Fighting Irish football program continued to show promise, but it also faced growing pains as it sought to return to elite status. Despite these ups and downs, the secondary remained a position of strength, with several key players drafted.
Tom Zbikowski (2008), a hard-hitting safety who played with intensity and aggression, is arguably one of the most notable defensive backs from this period. Zbikowski was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. He went on to have a productive career in the NFL, contributing as both a safety and a special teams player.
Ambrose Wooden, a cornerback drafted in the 6th round by the Atlanta Falcons in 2007, was another key piece of the defense during this era. While Wooden did not have a lengthy career in the NFL, his draft status reflected the trust that NFL teams placed in Notre Dame defensive backs.
2010s: Rising Talent and Continued Success
As Notre Dame moved into the 2010s, the program was once again on the rise under head coach Brian Kelly. The Fighting Irish began to establish themselves as a dominant force in college football once again, and this success was mirrored by the increasing number of defensive backs drafted into the NFL. From 2010 to 2019, a significant number of Notre Dame defensive backs were drafted, some of whom went on to have solid careers in the NFL.
A standout during this period was Robert Blanton (2012), a safety who was drafted in the 5th round by the Minnesota Vikings. Blanton played a key role in the Irish defense during their run to the 2013 BCS National Championship Game, and he went on to play several seasons in the NFL.
Kyle McCarthy, another safety from the 2010s, was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 6th round of the 2010 NFL Draft. McCarthy’s leadership and ability to read offenses made him a key figure for the Irish, even though his NFL career was relatively brief.
The 2013 NFL Draft saw Garry Clay (2013) enter the professional ranks. His unique combination of size and speed was exactly what teams like the San Francisco 49ers were looking for, although his NFL career did not reach the heights that many had expected.
Notre Dame’s most successful draft selection in the 2010s came in the form of Jalen Elliott. Though his draft journey was shorter than many expected, Elliott’s hard work and commitment to becoming one of the top defensive backs were notable. His path made him a beloved figure among Notre Dame fans who remember his standout performances as a strong safety.
2020s: New Generation
The 2020s saw Notre Dame continuing to churn out defensive back talent at an impressive rate. Kyle Hamilton, arguably one of the best safeties to come out of Notre Dame in the last few decades, was drafted in the 1st round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. Hamilton, with his unique skill set and exceptional range, quickly became one of the top defensive prospects in the draft, proving that Notre Dame had maintained its place as a top developer of NFL-caliber defensive backs.
Other notable names from the 2020s include Nick McCloud (2021), a cornerback who, after transferring from another school, proved himself capable of playing at the highest level, being drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the 7th round.
