Notre Dame football: Replacing potential 2022 NFL Draft picks

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Oct 9, 2021; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Cain Madden (62) guards Virginia Tech Hokies defensive lineman Jaylen Griffin (41) during the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame football: Replacing potential 2022 NFL Draft picks

Cain Madden, Offensive Guard

Heading into the 2021 college football season, the Notre Dame football team got a huge transfer pickup in Marshall offensive guard, Cain Madden. An All-American during his time with the Thundering Herd, Madden moved right into the starting lineup for the Irish, providing excellent leadership and play from his right tackle position.

In the 2022 NFL Draft, Madden is likely to find a home, as he has the potential to be a Day 1 starter at the next level. For the Irish, replacing him could go several different ways, including giving the starting job to Rocco Spindler, who will be a true sophomore next season, and was one of the highest-rated prospects in the 2021 recruiting class.

Josh Lugg also returns for his sixth season in South Bend, so there is a good chance that he is the one who starts opposite Andrew Kristofic, who did a tremendous job as the left guard for the Irish in 2021. Madden was a special player at the college level and based on all the talent behind him, the Irish are in good shape with him moving on in 2022.

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