Notre Dame Football: Newcomer Cain Madden bolsters 2021 Irish offensive line
By Brad Weiss
The Notre Dame Football program lost a lot of talent up front along the offensive line, but newcomer Cain Madden helps lessen the blow in 2021.
The Notre Dame Football program was well-represented during the 2021 NFL Draft, with three of their starting offensive linemen going in the first four rounds. After the draft, Tommy Kraemer was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Detroit Lions, meaning four of their five starters from the 2020 season will have to be replaced.
Luckily, Notre Dame Football is “Offensive Line U,” and it not going to take long for them to rebuild. They have quality true freshmen coming in, a star in Jarrett Patterson returning, and they also added an elite player via the transfer portal this offseason.
Recently, the Irish were able to add an All-American in Cain Madden, who completely turns this offensive line from a possible question mark to strength once again. The combination of Patterson and Madden at the two guard spots give the Irish the best duo in the country, and that should pave way for another monster season from Kyren Williams.
Notre Dame Football stacked along the offensive line once again
Looking at the group as a whole, you have to be excited about the Irish offensive line not only in 2021 but in the future as well. Blake Fisher is expected to come in and start right away as the team’s left tackle, taking over for second-round pick Liam Eichenberg in the most important role upfront.
Fellow true freshman Rocco Spindler is an elite player as well, and while he may have to wait behind Patterson and Madden, he could force Kelly’s hand, and get some serious playing time. His progressing could move Patterson back to center, or possibly tackle, so there is no end to the possibilities for this Irish offensive line.
Also, Zeke Correll and Josh Lugg are quality, veteran players, and both are going to be expected to step in and start in 2021. Overall, this is a group with a ton of talent, and while they won’t be as heralded as last year’s group to start, they have a whole season to prove they are one of the elite units in the country.
We have already discussed that Patterson will be the anchor for this Irish offensive line, and he is someone who could end up being a first-round pick at some point. However, Madden gives the Irish depth and flexibility, and it is always nice to add All-American talent to the roster this late in the game.