Notre Dame football: Draft-eligible players we would like back in 2022

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SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 06: Kevin Austin Jr. #4 and Michael Mayer #87 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrate a touchdown during the first half against the Navy Midshipmen at Notre Dame Stadium on November 6, 2021, in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame football: Draft-eligible players we would like back in 2022

Kevin Austin Jr., Wide Receiver

Going into this season, not only was the Notre Dame football team surrounded with questions in terms of the quarterback, but also which wide receivers would step up for him to throw it to them. Sure, the Irish had Michael Mayer, who was going to be target No. 1 in the passing game, but the offense needed an explosive weapon on the outside as well.

In 2021, there have been a few players who have stepped up, including Braden Lenzy, Kevin Austin Jr., Avery Davis, and Lorenzo Styles Jr. However, it has been Austin who has become the go-to wideout for quarterback Jack Coan, as evident by the fact that he leads the Irish in receiving yards and touchdowns.

Austin is going to be a valuable draft target in 2022 because he has that uncanny ability to take the lid off a defense. He is averaging nearly 20 yards per reception in 2021, and while the Irish do have some young talented wideouts in Styles, and Deion Colzie, having Austin back for one more season would be big for Tyler Buchner and this offense.

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