Today we wrap up our NFL Scouting reports for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looking to be picked in this month’s Draft. We’ve discussed some likely top picks, some long shots, and now we will conclude the series with perhaps the most intriguing prospect coming out of South Bend this year.

SPECS

Name: Khalid Kareem
Position: DE
Height: 6-4 (per the Combine)
Weight: 268 (per the Combine)
Hometown: Detroit, MI

STATS

YEAR SOLO ASST TACKLES TFL SACK
2016 0 0 0 0.0 0
2017 10 10 20 5.5 3.0
2018 23 19 42 10.5 4.5
2019 23 23 46 10.0 5.5
TOTAL 56 52 108 26.0 13.0

BIO:

It doesn’t seem possibly but yes, Kareem used a whole year of eligibility as a freshman in 2016 with only 4 games played and no tackles. With his injury struggles it’s unlikely he would have returned in 2020 anyway but it could’ve happened, especially if the recent NCAA rules were enforced back then.

In 2017, Kareem stepped into a valuable backup role before blossoming into the unquestioned strong-side defense end starter for his final two years. His 20.5 tackles for loss over 2018-19 were the most on the team as he made a claim as one of the best players on the defense.

STRENGTHS:

Long arms combined with a physical presence on the edge. Very good in run support and sneaky explosive in passing situations. Really strong at the point of attack and uses his hands well. Kareem is able to move tackles with his power and shrink the pocket. Impressive flexibility and quality production as a two-year starter. Extremely tough and hard working.

WEAKNESSES:

Kareem was seemingly never healthy and will need to find a way to avoid nagging injuries in the pros. Not an elite pass-rusher for his position. Lacking the explosiveness to bother NFL tackles with his speed. Needs to develop additional pass-rushing moves and increase his versatility to a pro club.

OVERVIEW:

I really like Kareem and admired his career at Notre Dame just about as much as anyone in recent times. We’re talking about someone who played banged up on a constant basis, constantly produced, then tore his labrum, and still played the last 5 games of his senior season through that pain.

How can you not root extra hard for someone like that? Can he ultimately make it in the NFL? I’m guessing yes, because while he’s mostly being boxed in as only a 4-3 end I do think he’ll add weight at the next level and grow into a combo end/tackle.

PREDICTION:

5th Round, 166th Overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars

Unfortunately, the NFL worries too much about ceiling, and while I think in a vacuum you could easily talk yourself into Kareem somewhere in the 3rd round, his injury history + shoulder surgery + no Pro Day at this time due to COVID-19 pandemic will probably drop him at least one additional round in the Draft.

Jacksonville has a lot of money tied up at defensive end but comes into the Draft with a whole bunch of picks and a lot of flexibility. Kareem could be a steal for them in the middle of the 5th round.