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Notre Dame defenders draft stock falling after Week 1 performance
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- Notre Dame defenders draft stock falling after Week 1 performance
Senior Christian Gray 's transition from cornerback to nickelback has been an adjustment for the veteran defender.
That caught the attention of Pro Football Focus, who noted in an article that Gray's 2027 NFL draft stock is down following the first game of the year. Gray entered the 2026 season as a projected second-day, mid-round draft pick.
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PFF noted that Gray, who had one of the lowest grade-point averages (52.2) for being one of the top-100 players this season, will be challenged more against opposing offenses with Leonard Moore at outside cornerback.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Aneyas Williams (22) rushes the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers in the second half at Lambeau Field.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Leonard Moore (15) breaks up a pass against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish kicker Spencer Porath (35) kicks a field goal against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
(Michael Caterina, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Blake Hebert (12) walks the field before the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive line Bryce Young (95) reacts against the Wisconsin Badgers in the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
(Michael Caterina, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Colton Joseph (1) rushes teh ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
(Michael Caterina, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) drops back to pass against the Wisconsin Badgers in the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Darrion Dupree (6) rushes the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
(Michael Caterina, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Aneyas Williams (22) rushes the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers in the second half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers place kicker Gavin Lahm (97) kicks a field goal against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) has the ball knocked away against the Wisconsin Badgers in the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Abu Sama III (3) rushes the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Abu Sama III (3) rushes the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Colton Joseph (1) rushes the ball against Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Adon Shuler (8) in the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Malachi Coleman (4) reacts after making a catch for a touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Nolan James Jr. (2) rushes teh ball past Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Mason Posa (8) at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 25, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; The Shamrock Series logo is seen prior to a game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
(Patrick Gorski, USA TODAY Sports)
Sep 25, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; The Shamrock Series logo is seen during a game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
(Patrick Gorski, Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports)
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See photos from Notre Dame's 41-13 win over the Wisconsin Badgers
Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Aneyas Williams (22) rushes the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers in the second half at Lambeau Field.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1
/18
See photos from Notre Dame's 41-13 win over the Wisconsin Badgers
Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Aneyas Williams (22) rushes the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers in the second half at Lambeau Field.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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SI has 6 Notre Dame standouts in latest mock NFL draft
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Leonard Moore (15) breaks up a pass against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3
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Here are the five stars from Notre Dame's heartbreaking loss to BYU
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish kicker Spencer Porath (35) kicks a field goal against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
(Michael Caterina, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See photos from Notre Dame's 41-13 win over the Wisconsin Badgers
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Blake Hebert (12) walks the field before the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See photos from Notre Dame's 41-13 win over the Wisconsin Badgers
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive line Bryce Young (95) reacts against the Wisconsin Badgers in the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
(Michael Caterina, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See photos from Notre Dame's 41-13 win over the Wisconsin Badgers
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Colton Joseph (1) rushes teh ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
(Michael Caterina, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See photos from Notre Dame's 41-13 win over the Wisconsin Badgers
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) drops back to pass against the Wisconsin Badgers in the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See photos from Notre Dame's 41-13 win over the Wisconsin Badgers
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Darrion Dupree (6) rushes the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
(Michael Caterina, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See photos from Notre Dame's 41-13 win over the Wisconsin Badgers
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Aneyas Williams (22) rushes the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers in the second half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See photos from Notre Dame's 41-13 win over the Wisconsin Badgers
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers place kicker Gavin Lahm (97) kicks a field goal against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See photos from Notre Dame's 41-13 win over the Wisconsin Badgers
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) has the ball knocked away against the Wisconsin Badgers in the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See photos from Notre Dame's 41-13 win over the Wisconsin Badgers
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Abu Sama III (3) rushes the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See photos from Notre Dame's 41-13 win over the Wisconsin Badgers
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Abu Sama III (3) rushes the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See photos from Notre Dame's 41-13 win over the Wisconsin Badgers
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Colton Joseph (1) rushes the ball against Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Adon Shuler (8) in the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See photos from Notre Dame's 41-13 win over the Wisconsin Badgers
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Malachi Coleman (4) reacts after making a catch for a touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See photos from Notre Dame's 41-13 win over the Wisconsin Badgers
Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Nolan James Jr. (2) rushes teh ball past Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Mason Posa (8) at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See photos from Notre Dame's 41-13 win over the Wisconsin Badgers
Sep 25, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; The Shamrock Series logo is seen prior to a game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
(Patrick Gorski, USA TODAY Sports)
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See photos from Notre Dame's 41-13 win over the Wisconsin Badgers
Sep 25, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; The Shamrock Series logo is seen during a game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
(Patrick Gorski, Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports)
Against Wisconsin on Sunday, PFF said that the Badgers caught Gray "out on multiple occasions" and gained a handful of first downs through the senior's coverage. PFF stated that Gray notably had a "bad rep" against Wisconsin senior receiver Malachi Coleman, who "beat Gray nastily on a double move."
Gray had just two tackles, both of them solo, against Wisconsin.
The senior defender recorded 17 tackles, 11 pass break-ups, two interceptions and 13 pass deflections last year. Gray had 35 tackles, a forced fumble, nine pass break-ups, three interceptions and 12 pass deflections in 2024.
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame defenders draft stock falling after Week 1 performance
