Notre Dame has been an NFL offensive line factory throughout their history, and the 2024 NFL Draft boasts two more strong additions to that pedigree in Joe Alt and Blake Fisher. Fisher, a redshirt sophomore, was a bit of a surprise declaration but has plenty of NFL interest.
What does Fisher’s NFL Draft outlook look like? Can he make an impact for an NFL franchise?
Blake Fisher Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 312 pounds
- Position: OT
- School: Notre Dame
- Current Year: Redshirt Sophomore
The former No. 1 overall recruit in the state of Indiana, Fisher was a five-star prospect and one of the top offensive tackles in the 2021 recruiting class. Fisher started two games at the end of his freshman year, playing both left and right tackle.
Fisher spent 2022 and 2023 at right tackle, starting 25 games there for the Irish. He was part of an offensive line that helped place back-to-back Joe Moore Award Midseason Honor Rolls and a semifinalist spot for the Joe Moore Award in 2023. Fisher allowed just three sacks in 2023
Blake Fisher – OT – Notre Dame#steelers #predraftvisit pic.twitter.com/kBIyIeLQbX
— Chris_G (YouTube: ChrisG_Steelers) (@CGillis2021) April 18, 2024
Fisher’s Scouting Report
Games Watched: Ohio State (2023), Duke (2023), Louisville (2023), Clemson (2023), Wake Forest (2023), USC (2023)
Strengths
- Very good length; understands how to use his length to keep defenders out of his chest
- Mauling play strength in the run game
- Anchors well against the bull rush
- Displayed comfort with different passing sets
- Accurate, strong punches
- Seals off rushing lanes with ease
- Excellent athleticism when working to the second level and finding targets in space
Weaknesses
- Occasionally oversets and leaves inside open to rusher
- Needs improved footwork in his passing sets
- Needs to improve his timing with his punches
- Poor accuracy on initial punch, can get countered by savvy pass rushers
- Slips off run blocks on the move due to pad level
Current Draft Projection and Summary
Given Fisher’s relative inexperience, it was a bit of a surprise to see him declare as a redshirt sophomore. However, the tools Fisher displayed will have scouts raving over his potential.
Fisher has all the tools to thrive in the NFL. His quickness and length with his 6’6″, 312-pound frame make him an imposing athlete at right tackle. Fisher is far from raw, with good, strong punches and comfort with different sets rarely found in two-year starters.
He also plays with phenomenal competitive toughness. His work in the run game is better compared to a bulldozer, driving defenders out of gaps with ease and tossing them out of the play.
Fisher still has things to iron out. Occasionally, he would overset against a speedier rusher and leave his inside open.
I would also like Fisher to mix up his hands more often, as craftier rushers can knock aside his initial punch and beat him. His height is a negative in the run, as he’ll often shoot upright simply due to his frame and slip off blocks while on the move.
Still, Fisher’s tools give him a fantastic starting point for NFL success. You can see he’s already been well-coached and has a solid base of fundamentals. With another year at Notre Dame, Fisher could have been a surefire first-rounder — something that will likely push NFL teams to nab him earlier than initially projected.
MORE: Top OTs in the 2024 NFL Draft
Fisher looks like an easy top-100 lock with upside to go further with a good showing at the NFL Combine.
Draft with your friends today! PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator now supports multiple drafters during the same draft! Ensure your player rankings are up to date on the 2024 NFL Draft Big Board and you know what every NFL team needs before drafting.