SI has 6 Notre Dame standouts in latest mock NFL draft

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SI has 6 Notre Dame standouts in latest mock NFL draft

Kevin L. Smith, Fighting Irish Wire · Fighting Irish Wire

Fri, Oct 23, 2026 ·

3 min read

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Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated recently revealed his third mock NFL draft through the first two rounds , and six Notre Dame standouts are included.

Cornerback Leonard Moore, quarterback CJ Carr, offensive lineman Anthonie Knapp, safety Brauntae Johnson, edge Boubacar Traore and linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa were selected for the US LBM Coaches Poll No. 8 Fighting Irish .

Moore and Carr are projected first-round picks, while Knapp, Johnson, Traore and Viliamu-Asa are potential second-round draftees.

Here are the likely NFL team destinations that Manzano for each Notre Dame star:

CB Leonard Moore, No. 5 pick - Washington Commanders

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

"This would be a dream scenario for Washington, which desperately needs help on the back end of the defense. Moore seems to be the safest defensive prospect in this class. He has the size (6'2", 197 pounds), athleticism and coverage skills to be a shutdown outside corner for years to come. All eyes will be on what Moore does against Miami's Malachi Toney in their Nov. 7 showdown in South Bend."

QB CJ Carr, No. 10 pick - Arizona Cardinals

Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr celebrates after scoring a touchdown during a NCAA football game against Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in West Lafayette.

"I think Carr might be the fourth-best quarterback in this year's class because he doesn't stand out physically with average size (6'2", 215 pounds) and arm strength. But scouts consider him the safest QB option because of how well he reads defenses. Coach Mike LaFleur just spent three seasons working with Rams coach Sean McVay, who values accuracy and high-level decision making before and after the snap. Carr, who has completed 66.8% of his passes for 1,639 yards, 16 touchdowns and only one interception, could hit the ground running and run LaFleur's scheme efficiently."

Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jonaz Walton (20) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Brigham Young Cougars cornerback Therrian Alexander III runs against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
(Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jonaz Walton (20) runs for a two-point conversion against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Brigham Young Cougars tight end Walker Lyons makes a catch to score a touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
(Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Micah Gilbert of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looses a pass during the first half of their game against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Provo, Utah.
(Chris Gardner, Getty Images)

A Notre Dame Fighting Irish cheerleader holds a sign during the second half against the Brigham Young Cougars at Allegiant Stadium.
(Lucas Peltier, USA TODAY Sports)

Preston Rex of the Brigham Young Cougars is chased by Leonard Moore and Luke Talich of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half of their game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Provo, Utah.
(Chris Gardner, Getty Images)

Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cheerleaders perform before the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman reacts during the first half against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) passes against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) passes against the Brigham Young Cougars during the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) warms up before the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Jaden Greathouse (1) runs against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Aneyas Williams (22) runs against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Nolan James Jr. (2) runs against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Micah Gilbert (14) can't make a catch against the Brigham Young Cougars during the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) passes against Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Cade Uluave (4) during the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman looks on during the first half against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

OL Anthonie Knapp, No. 33 pick - Los Angeles Chargers

Notre Dame offensive lineman Anthonie Knapp (54) celebrates a Notre Dame touchdown during a NCAA college football game between Notre Dame and Louisville at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in South Bend.

"The Chargers get off to a perfect start to the draft with (Ohio State WR Jeremiah) Smith and Knapp, who has flourished at left guard this season. The 6-5, 305-pound lineman started two years at left tackle before moving inside."

S Brauntae Johnson, No. 39 pick - Los Angeles Rams (from Houston)

Notre Dame safety Brauntae Johnson celebrates with the team after winning a NCAA football game 58-7 against Stanford at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, in South Bend.

"At 6-2, 200 pounds, Johnson has the size and versatility NFL teams covet for safeties. He needs to be a better playmaker at the line of scrimmage, but he's excellent in coverage and capable of playing slot cornerback. Arizona needs more defensive backs like Johnson."

DL Boubacar Traore, No. 42 pick - Los Angeles Rams

Oct 10, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Boubacar Traore (5) intercepts a pass against the Stanford Cardinal during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

"The Rams may let Byron Young walk in the offseason to pay other players on their roster. That would create a hole opposite Myles Garrett. Traore has the attention of NFL scouts due to his strength, versatility and enticing size at 6-5, 253 pounds.

LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, No. 49 pick - Cincinnati Bengals

Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (27) with the ball after intecepting a pass as North Carolina Tar Heels running back Jaylen McGill (27) defends in the first quaret at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

"Look for Viliamu-Asa to put on a show at the combine. He's a fast playmaker with a nose for the ball. Scouts are intrigued by Viliamu-Asa's 6-3, 234-pound frame and his various traits."

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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: SI has 6 Notre Dame standouts in latest mock NFL draft

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SI has 6 Notre Dame standouts in latest mock NFL draft

CB Leonard Moore, No. 5 pick - Washington Commanders

QB CJ Carr, No. 10 pick - Arizona Cardinals

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See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU

See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU

See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU

See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU

See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU

See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU

See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU

See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU

See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU

See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU

See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU

See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU

See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU

See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU

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See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU

See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU

OL Anthonie Knapp, No. 33 pick - Los Angeles Chargers

S Brauntae Johnson, No. 39 pick - Los Angeles Rams (from Houston)

DL Boubacar Traore, No. 42 pick - Los Angeles Rams

LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, No. 49 pick - Cincinnati Bengals