Notre Dame Lineman Blake Fisher Declares For The NFL Draft, To Skip Bowl Game

Notre Dame junior offensive tackle Blake Fisher announced that he will sit out the team's bowl game and declare for the NFL Draft. It was a surprising move for Fisher, a true junior who had yet to tap into his immense potential.

Fisher showed great promise early in his career, earning the team's starting left tackle spot as a true freshman. In fact, Fisher beat out Joe Alt during fall camp that season, but he was injured in the team's season-opening win over Florida State. That knee injury forced Fisher to sit out the next 11 games, and he didn't return until the Fiesta Bowl matchup against Oklahoma State.

By the time Fisher returned Alt had established himself as the left tackle, so Fisher moved to right tackle for that game. Fisher started the next 25 games at right tackle for Notre Dame. That experience is a plus for Fisher, but he never took his game to a higher level. In fact, an argument could be made he took a bit of a step back this season.

His run blocking grade from PFF went down this season, and Fisher was penalized five times after being called for just two in 2022. He allowed one fewer pass rush this season, but that was on 39 fewer pass sets.

Fisher certainly had some bright spots this season, including strong performances against Ohio State, Pittsburgh and Wake Forest. That is what made Fisher so frustrating to watch at times, because he would show off his big time potential one game, and then struggle a game later. 

Instead of returning for his senior season, growing his game, boosting his NFL Draft stock - and possibly moving to left tackle - Fisher opted for the NFL Draft. His film will show teams a player that certainly has some potential, but also a player that lacks the consistency and at times the necessary footwork to be a dominant blocker.