Notre Dame’s NFL draft prospects

Sep 7, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Jeremy Gallon (21) runs the ball by Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Elijah Shumate (22) in first quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Elijah Shumate

Strong safety Elijah Shumate has a chance to be one of the top safeties to come out in the 2016 draft. Shumate looks like he has that versatile skill-set that NFL personnel people are looking for. He started out as a nickel corner as a freshman and a remained a key rotational player as a sophomore.

While expecting the same as junior, Shumate became the starting strong safety because an injury to Austin Collinsworth. He was not Cam Chancellor but was physical and a reliable tackler that handled playing in the box. And of course, he shined in coverage, something he’s done since his arrival in 2012.

By the end of the 2014 season, he accumulated 66 tackles with four passes broken up and one interception. He’s bulked up some to handle playing the box more but looks to have maintained his coverage skills in the process. Before Saturday night, he was projected into the third round but he looks like he’s going higher now.

Next: Tarean Folston?