The 5 greatest Notre Dame football NFL Draft “hidden gems” since 2000

The 2024 NFL Draft is approaching and beyond just Joe Alt, Notre Dame has plenty of potential late-round picks that could turn into stars. Maybe Sam Hartman, Cam Hart, or Audric Estime will be the next "hidden gem."

Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone tackles L.A. Rams running back Kyren Williams / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

2 of 5

Drue Tranquill. . Round: 4 Pick: 135. Drue Tranquill, LB. Drue Tranquill, LB. player. 4. 13. . 2019

Off-ball linebackers like Drue Tranquill have become devalued in the NFL, so the LA Chargers got an absolute steal in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. As a converted safety at 6-foot-2 234 pounds, Tranquill has proven to be big enough to become a tackling machine in the league.

In 2022, Tranquill’s fourth year with the Chargers he led the team with 146 total tackles. It was enough for the defending Super Bowl champs to value him in free agency. Tranquill signed with the Kansas City Chiefs ahead of the 2023 season and across 16 games he recorded 78 tackles with two forced fumbles and 4.5 sacks.

Now, with a Super Bowl ring on his finger, Tranquill will prepare for his second year in Kansas City.

Home/Notre Dame Football