How Notre Dame football rookies performed in the first week of NFL preseason action
Nine of Notre Dame football’s 10 NFL rookies had their first taste of professional football by appearing in Week 1 of the preseason last week. Blue & Gold has a breakdown of how each one performed.
Los Angeles Chargers OT Joe Alt (No. 5 overall pick)
Joe Alt played 21 snaps at right tackle, 13 of which were pass block, against the Seahawks on Saturday. The 6-foot-8, 322-pounder surrendered 1 quarterback hurry. Pro Football Focus gave him a 71.0 run-blocking grade, ranked fourth among rookie offensive tackles. However, it was a small sample size, as he only had 8 snaps in the run game.
Houston Texans OT Blake Fisher (No. 59 overall pick)
Because the Houston Texans played in the annual Hall of Fame game, Blake Fisher already has two NFL preseason games under his belt. He has logged 58 snaps at left tackle.
In the Hall of Fame game against the Chicago Bears, Fisher saw 38 snaps (22 in pass pro) and did not allow any sacks or pressures. However, PFF gave him a 42.8 grade in pass blocking. His 16 run-blocking snaps were worth a 61.5 grade.
In Week 1 of preseason action against the Texans on Friday, Fisher played 20 snaps. Thirteen of them came in pass-pro, and he allowed 2 pressures. PFF graded his 7 run-blocking snaps at 38.2.
Dallas Cowboys LB Marist Liufau (No. 87 overall pick)
Marist Liufau played 15 snaps against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night. The official stat sheet credited him with 1 tackle. PFF’s grades and advanced statistics were unavailable at this posting time.
Los Angeles Chargers CB Cam Hart (No. 140 overall pick)
Cam Hart did not suit up on Saturday against the Seahawks, seemingly due to injury. He was limited in practice last week.
Atlanta Falcons LB JD Bertrand (No. 143 overall pick)
Against the Miami Dolphins on Saturday, JD Bertrand played 47 snaps and tied for third on the team with 4 tackles, 3 of which were solo stops. PFF credited Bertrand with a run stop, but he also allowed a 6-yard touchdown reception to Jeff Wilson Jr.
Denver Broncos RB Audric Estimé (No. 147 overall pick)
Audric Estimé had 10 carries for 31 yards (3.1 yards per carry) and 1 touchdown. Broncos coach Sean Payton also had Estimé involved in the passing game. Estimé caught all 3 of his targets for 13 yards. He also lost a fumble.
Washington Commanders DL Javontae Jean-Baptiste (No. 222 overall pick)
On Saturday against the Jets, Javontae Jean-Baptiste recorded 2 solo tackles, including 1 tackle for loss, in 25 defensive line snaps. PFF also awarded him 2 run stops.
How Notre Dame undrafted free agents performed in Week 1 of NFL preseason
— QB Sam Hartman (Washington Commanders): Completed 8-13 throws for 83 yards and had 2 rushes that totaled 15 yards.
— S Thomas Harper (Los Angeles Chargers): 3 solo tackles, 1 sack and 1 quarterback hit.
— K Spencer Shrader (Indianapolis Colts): Went 2-2 on extra points.
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