25-04-2025
From Fasano through Mayer, every Notre Dame football tight end drafted since 2006.
SOUTH BEND — Whenever Mitchell Evans hears his name called at the NFL Draft this week, most likely in the middle rounds, it will extend a remarkable streak for the tight ends of Notre Dame football.
Going back to Anthony Fasano in 2004, every primary starting tight end has been drafted. That's how the Irish have extended their modern claim as Tight End U.
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Here's the distinguished list Evans hopes to join:
Secondary is primary: Breaking down recent NFL Draft history for Notre Dame football defensive backs
More: A look at the 2025 Notre Dame football schedule with dates, opponents, kick times and TV
2023: Michael Mayer, Round 2
The record-setting All-American went 35th overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. Mayer has 48 catches for 460 yards and two scores thus far in the pros.
2021: Tommy Tremble, Round 3
A ferocious blocker, Tremble went 83rd overall to the Carolina Panthers. He's pulled down nine touchdown passes in four seasons among his 85 catches for 782 yards.
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Tight End U: That crazy NFL Draft streak for Notre Dame football tight ends? Mitchell Evans is well aware
2020: Cole Kmet, Round 2
The former two-sport standout (baseball reliever) went 43rd overall to his hometown Chicago Bears. In five seasons he's averaged 52 catches for 518 yards; he has 19 touchdowns overall.
2019: Alize Mack, Round 7
The New Orleans Saints picked the Las Vegas product with the 231st overall pick, 23 picks before Mr. Irrelevant.
2018: Durham Smythe, Round 4
The Miami Dolphins took Smythe 123rd overall. A strong blocker, Smythe had 132 catches for 1,228 yards and three scores in seven seasons with the Dolphins. He recently signed with the Bears, reuniting with Kmet.
2015: Ben Koyack, Round 7
The Jacksonville Jaguars waited until the 229th overall pick to grab Koyack. He would spend four years in the NFL, making 25 catches for 208 yards and a touchdown.
2014: Troy Niklas, Round 2
The Arizona Cardinals took him 52nd overall. His four-year output in the pros: 19 catches, 203 yards, three touchdowns.
2013: Tyler Eifert, Round 1
The Cincinnati Bengals took him 21st overall, making him the only first-round tight end drafted that year. His eight-season production: 221 catches, 2,501 yards and 26 scores.
2011: Kyle Rudolph, Round 2
The Minnesota Vikings took Rudolph with the 43rd overall pick. Now retired after 12 pro seasons, Rudolph piled up 482 career receptions for 4,773 yards and 50 touchdowns. He owns the Vikings' record for TDs by a tight end and most consecutive starts by a tight end (81).
2008: John Carlson, Round 2
He went 38th overall to the Seattle Seahawks. His six pro seasons included 210 receptions for 2,256 yards and 15 scores.
2006: Anthony Fasano, Round 2
The Dallas Cowboys took him 53rd overall. Fasano finished his 12-year career with 299 catches for 3,278 yards and 36 touchdowns.
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Mike Berardino covers Notre Dame football for the South Bend Tribune and Follow him on social media @MikeBerardino.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Notre Dame football tight ends tend to make noise at the NFL Draft
