Notre Dame Football: 2015 NFL Draft Tracker, Analysis and Results

With most of their team returning in 2015, the NFL draft class for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is relatively small. Brian Kelly's team is returning 10 of 11 starters on defense and nine of 11 starters on the offensive side of the ball. 

Tight end Ben Koyack and corner Cody Riggs—two of the three starters graduating from the program—seem likely to be drafted in the middle rounds. Wide receiver DaVaris Daniels—who was suspended for the entire 2014 season—also figures to get drafted. 

This piece will highlight the Fighting Irish draft hopefuls. Prior to the draft, we will analyze all three athletes and their respective strengths as football players. Predictions on draft positioning will also be discussed. 

Once the draft ends, we will update the slides, detailing each player and how he fits in with his future team. 

TE Ben Koyack

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

Koyack blocking in space.

Drafted: Round 7, Pick 229 to Jacksonville Jaguars

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 255 lbs

Analysis

With newly-acquired Julius Thomas in tow, Ben Koyack likely won't compete for a starting spot. All-Pro Marcedes Lewis will also get a lion's share of the snaps at the position. Koyack's best shot is to compete to be the third tight end on the roster. In order for him to do this, he'll have to display great blocking skills. Koyack also has to be willing to participate on special teams—as a means to potentially distinguish himself.

Far from a finished product, it could be best served for Koyack to spend a "redshirt" year on the practice squad. From there, he can sharpen his skills at the position and become a more well-rounded option. 

Replacement 

The expected starter at tight end—Durham Smythe—had one catch for seven yards in '14. He will be battling Tyler Luatua for time at the position. According to Kelly, via Irish Illustrated on Twitter, Smythe has been impressive this spring. Expect his production to improve immensely from a season ago. 

WR DaVaris Daniels

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

Daniels evading a Stanford defender.

2015 Draft: Not Selected

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 201 lbs

Analysis

An academic scandal robbed DaVaris Daniels of playing in 2014. He was projected to be the top receiver heading into last year. From a playing standpoint, Daniels is a physical receiver with strong hands and good leaping ability. Although not a burner, his 4.57 40-time is solid for a player of his stature.

A year away from football isn't beneficial in any situation. Daniels does have potential as a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver, but he's got to work doggedly on the nuances of the position. Without elite speed, Daniels will have to become excellent in terms of his route running. 

Replacement 

Will Fuller stepped up in Daniels' wake and performed well for the Irish. He led the team with 76 catches for 1,094 yards and 15 touchdowns. Along with C.J. Prosise, Amir Carlisle, Chris Brown and Corey Robinson, the wide receiver corps will be well-stocked with talent. 

DB Cody Riggs

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

Riggs brings considerable speed and quickness to the table.

2015 Draft: Not Selected

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 185 lbs

Analysis 

A transfer from Florida, Cody Riggs played well during his time in South Bend. Perhaps Riggs' best quality is his intuitiveness. The Florida native is adept at reading the play and reacting accordingly. He also has impressive speed and quickness, as evidenced by a 4.45 40-time at his pro day.

The biggest hindrance when it comes to Riggs is his size. He's got a smallish, thin frame and can be pushed off the ball by bigger receivers on the perimeter. When looking at his combination of speed and lack of height, Riggs looks like a perfect fit as a nickelback on the next level. He also brings added value as a punt returner.

Replacement 

Sophomore Nick Watkins appears to be the top option in replacing Riggs. Watkins has played consistently with the first team throughout spring camp. However, the big wild card is KeiVarae Russell. Should Russell be reinstated to the team this summer, he will more than likely assume the role as the starter at the vacant spot. Before Russell's suspension, he was arguably the best corner on the team. 

Note: Draft projections via Matt Miller's mock draft. Stats and combine numbers from the pro day are courtesy of the official site of Notre Dame athletics.