Could Notre Dame have not one, but two members of its secondary selected in the first 10 picks of the 2027 NFL Draft? One mock draft thinks so, calling it not only possible, but likely. Leonard Moore has long been viewed as an early pick, and Tae Johnson joining him in the first 10 picks is a newer development. Still, it’s a realistic prediction considering how Johnson has improved in a short period of time.
The mock draft in question came from Panthers Wire. Its interest in seeing Moore land with Carolina is not exactly surprising. It’s still early enough in the process that it’s hard to predict where any players will go and where any team will draft. At the same time, the Panthers are predicted to be No. 8 in the NFL Draft, suggesting the site isn’t quite on board with them being a long-term improvement. At least not yet.
“The Panthers could go any number of directions here but Moore is the blue-chip cornerback in this draft and an easy pick,” Curt Popejoy wrote about the Notre Dame defensive back. If the Panthers do draft that early, getting one of the best defensive players in the country would certainly help a team still looking to return to its historical winning ways.
Moore has only been one of, if not the best, cornerbacks in college sports since his freshman year. In 2024, the phenom DB recorded 48 tackles, 11 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions. He followed that up in 2025 with another incredible season despite missing two games due to injury. He tallied only 38 tackles, but he still had 7 pass breakups and a career-high 5 interceptions. He returned one of those for a touchdown and also forced a fumble.
Leonard Moore and Tae Johnson projected as top-10 picks in 2027 NFL Draft
Most of the time, the answer would be that Notre Dame opponents stay away from Moore at all costs. However, the Fighting Irish secondary is so good that Tae Johnson patrolling the defensive backfield at safety means there isn’t an easy answer. That’s why Panthers Wire has Johnson selected at No. 10 in its new mock draft.
“The other half of the Notre Dame defensive back tandem goes two picks after Moore and the Giants get an absolute ballhawk in the secondary.”
Giants fans would almost certainly be happy with Johnson in their secondary. While he didn’t score much playing time in 2024, he exploded onto the scene in 2025. He tallied 48 tackles, 3 pass breakups, 4 interceptions, and a touchdown. Not only are those numbers oddly similar to Moore’s first year as a starter, but the Irish expect him to do better in 2025.
Some mock drafts have as many as four Notre Dame players selected in the first round. While this mock only has two, things are a bit different by having two in the Top 10. Granted, the real catch here is whether both defensive backs will go pro. Leonard Moore and Tae Johnson both have plenty of eligibility left in South Bend. If one does decide to head to the NFL, it seems likely Moore is the guy. Johnson might be a longer shot to declare early, but if he has a 2026 like he had a 2025, he might pull the trigger as well.
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