We are breaking down the Notre Dame prospects hoping to hear their names called in the upcoming NFL Draft being held in Detroit from April 25th through the 27th. Today, we look at a young lineman who left South Bend early to bet on himself in the pro ranks.

SPECS

Name: Blake Fisher
Hometown: Avon, Indiana
Position: OT
Height: 6-6 (per NFL Combine)
Weight: 310 (per NFL Combine)
40: 5.20
Vertical: 28.0
10-Yard Split: 1.82
Broad: 9’6″
3-Cone: 7.76
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.73

STRENGTHS:

Displays impressive athleticism and is an agile pull blocker with good feet. Developed a good ability to shut down counter moves against pass rushers. Lighter feet than many opponents realized. Fisher shows good hand placement and was an effective run blocker with a nasty edge at times. Strong technique wise but more so naturally talented at the tackle position.

WEAKNESSES:

Slow off the snap is a consistent problem noted by NFL scouts. Least effective against quick rushers who can exploit his tendency to reach and allow pressure on his inside. Sometimes played with too much aggression and wasn’t controlled enough. Showed good leverage in the run game but didn’t move enough bodies for his size. Scouts like his pass pro consistency but see more room for improvement as a run blocker.

OVERVIEW:

In some ways, it feels like Fisher’s career was over before it really ever began at Notre Dame. He came out of the gates strong and looked to be the next franchise NFL tackle before an injury set him back for a while. After switching to right tackle, he continued to have a quality couple of seasons for the Irish but watched as teammate Joe Alt soaked up most of the NFL love.

There were plenty of whispers and rumors that Fisher was intent on exploring his options at the NFL through 2023 and that turned out to be true. As fans, it would’ve been nice to see him come back as a veteran tackle but he’s decided the time was now to jump to the pro ranks.

PREDICTION:

4th Round, 122nd Overall to the Chicago Bears

It doesn’t appear that Fisher is among the top 10 rated tackles in this draft which maybe would suggest he should’ve returned to school. However, in this modern age and the importance of the offensive tackle position it could still lead to a solid draft position and quality NFL salary as a rookie.

I think the Bears should be targeting tackle somewhere in the middle part of the draft and picking Fisher here at 122nd overall would be from the pick the Eagles sent back in last year’s Draft to move up and select Jalen Carter.