26-04-2025
Who picked Notre Dame football alum and Mr. Football winner Jack Kiser in the NFL Draft?
Jack Kiser, the 2018 IndyStar Mr. Football from Pioneer High School who played six years at Notre Dame, was selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Kiser made four appearances as a freshman before redshirting, and he increased his tackles total each season, getting in on 90 in 2024. The all-time leader in Fighting Irish games played made 275 tackles, 17 for a loss, and 4 interceptions.
His experience, discipline and on-field smarts make him a defensive leader, but scouts are concerned about his lack of explosiveness and age for a rookie.
Jack Kiser draft profile
Weight: 231 pounds
Age: 25 on Sept. 10, 2025
Pro comparison: Jack Sanborn
Draft value: Third-day pick
Jack Kiser scouting report
Lance Zierlein, "Sixth-year senior with good football intelligence and immediate four-phase special teams value. Kiser will be a 25-year-old rookie in September, with average physical attributes, but he's productive and consistent. He understands his limitations and works around them with instincts and positioning, but a lack of speed and length will create smaller margins for error as a pro. He struggles to take on and get off blocks, so he'll have to take a few more chances moving forward. Kiser's ability to play on third down and special teams boosts his chances of becoming a backup inside linebacker."
NFL Draft Buzz: "Defensive coaches looking for scheme discipline and fundamental soundness will find plenty to love in Kiser's game. His processing speed creates opportunities that his physical tools might otherwise limit, particularly when attacking gaps against zone running schemes. Despite lacking elite traits, Kiser brings a lunch-pail mentality that translates immediately to special teams while he develops his role on defense."
Kyle Crabbs, 33rd Team: "He's self-aware of how he needs to play, the angles he needs to take, and the limitations he's working with. Playing within himself provides consistent yield as a productive tackler. He isn't overly fluid or long or disruptive in coverage, and his ability to attack and deconstruct blocks is minimal, considering his play length."
Strengths
Disciplined approach prevents him from being trapped
Misses few tackles
Embraces special teams play
Weaknesses
Lacks explosiveness
Sometimes fails to shed blockers
Advanced age for a rookie
Jack Kiser highlights
