Notre Dame Football: How can Irish draft prospects improve their stock?

Liam Eichenberg – Left Tackle – Graduate Student

In stark contrast to Book, Eichenberg possesses elite size and athleticism needed for success in the NFL. Several mock drafts already projected Eichenberg as a 1st round selection. Based on Eichenberg’s inconsistent play, it feels off base to project him as a first day pick.

However, in 2020, six Offensive Tackles were taken in the first round. Each Offensive Tackle taken in April’s draft had varying degrees of success at the college level. Eichenberg’s pass blocking statistics are better than that of former USC Left Tackle and first round selection of the Miami Dolphins Austin Jackson.

According to Notre Dame’s sports information department, Eichenberg did not allow a single sack during the 2019 season. Furthermore, he only yielded nine Quarterback hurries in 496 passing plays. His pass blocking is borderline elite. With the NFL continuing to feature pass heavy schemes, an elite pass-blocking Left Tackle is a must for all thirty-two NFL franchises.

Eichenberg needs to improve his running block in 2020. According to Pro Football Focus, he graded out at 78.8 in run blocking while scoring 85.6 in pass blocking. Both were the highest grades on the team but clearly he excels much better as a pass blocker.

Additionally, Notre Dame’s recent prowess along the Offensive Line help Eichenberg greatly. Zack Martin, Ronnie Stanley, Quenton Nelson and Mike McGlinchey are having extremely successful NFL careers. This certainly gives Eichenberg a bump with NFL general managers.

There is a lot of evidence to support Liam Eichenberg as a first rounder even before improvement of the next season is taken into account.

What can Eichenberg do to improve: As stated above, Eichenberg needs to improve in the running game. Another year of experience should allow him to bring his run blocking in line with his pass blocking.

Projection: 1st Round

High-Low Range: 1st Round to 3rd Round