Notre Dame makes history with two running backs selected in first round of NFL Draft

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Jeremiyah Love may have been Notre Dame’s headliner on draft night, but Jadarian Price helped give the Irish a historic first-round moment.

Price was selected No. 32 overall by the Seattle Seahawks, making history alongside Love, who went No. 3 overall to the Arizona Cardinals. It marked the first time the top two running backs selected in an NFL Draft came from the same school.

Seattle entered the draft with just four picks, the fewest of any team, putting extra weight on every selection. After running back Kenneth Walker III left for the Kansas City Chiefs, the Seahawks had a clear need in the backfield. And Price became their answer at the end of the first round.

Like Love, Price spent three seasons at Notre Dame. He made his impact in several ways, recording multiple touchdowns of 50-plus yards throughout his career and adding three kick-return touchdowns, showing his value beyond the backfield.

Price played behind Love, but his talent was never in question. He said he turned down major money to stay at Notre Dame, although he could have been a starter anywhere else in the nation.

Seattle clearly believed in what he could bring at the next level. Seahawks President of Football Operations John Schneider said Price “stood alone” on the team’s board, calling him a great player and saying he was surprised Price was still available at the final pick of the first round.

When Price got the call, he was surrounded by a whole lot of family and friends.

“Let’s go, man. Thank you so much,” Price said. “I’m feeling great. I’m ready to ball.”

Price’s selection wrapped up the first round, but Notre Dame’s draft night did not end there. Two more Irish players heard their names called in the second round Friday night. Wide receiver Malachi Fields was selected No. 74 overall by the New York Giants, while tight end Eli Raridon was picked No. 95 overall by the New England Patriots.

Notre Dame still had several notable players left on the board entering the later rounds, including offensive linemen Billy Schrauth and Aamil Wagner, who are both projected to be selected inside the top 200.