2024 Exclusive Sneak Peek: Audric Estime, RB Notre Dame
Welcome to the Exclusive Sneak Peek: Audric Estime, Notre Dame RB. Estime graduated from Saint Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, New Jersey. As a senior, he was named NJ.com’s Football Player of the Year, recording 1857 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns.
Estime committed to Michigan State before agreeing to attend Notre Dame. He saw the field more and more in each of his 3 seasons as a Fighting Irishman, culminating with a strong junior year. As Notre Dame’s starting running back in 2023, Estime compiled 1483 total yards and 18 touchdowns.
Although not utilized much as a pass-catcher, Estime can be used in passing games. However, he’s best seen as a two-down and goal-line grinder.
Measurables
NCAA Statistics
| Rushing | Receiving | Scrimmage | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| *2021 | Notre Dame | Ind | FR | RB | 12 | 7 | 60 | 8.6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 60 | 8.6 | 0 | |
| *2022 | Notre Dame | Ind | SO | 13 | 156 | 920 | 5.9 | 11 | 9 | 135 | 15.0 | 1 | 165 | 1055 | 6.4 | 12 | |
| *2023 | Notre Dame | Ind | JR | RB | 12 | 210 | 1341 | 6.4 | 18 | 17 | 142 | 8.4 | 0 | 227 | 1483 | 6.5 | 18 |
| Career | Notre Dame | 373 | 2321 | 6.2 | 29 | 26 | 277 | 10.7 | 1 | 399 | 2598 | 6.5 | 30 | ||||
Scouting Reports
Strengths
- Good hands out of the backfield with solid body control in the receiving game.
- Has excellent straight-line speed with good acceleration.
- A good inside runner with the vision and patience to pick holes before they open.
- Somewhat elusive in the open field.
- Good athleticism given his size.
- Routinely runs through arm tackles.
Weaknesses
- Slow feet and stiff hips make it difficult to change direction.
- Not dynamic enough in space.
- Should hit the hole harder at times. Patience can work against him.
- Ball security needs work.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Expected Draft Capital: Late Round 4/Early Round 5
Ideal Landing Spot: Dallas Cowboys
Both the Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles could benefit from a bigger-bodied back, but the Cowboys are in desperate need of a bigger back to balance out their RB room. Rico Dowdle acquitted himself well enough as the #2 last season, but a goal-line threat is desperately needed in Dallas.
Estime could become that immediately, as his biggest strengths are his strength and vision. He would have an opportunity to receive impactful touches from Day 1 and provide a more balanced and less predictable red zone offense for the Boys. Given his weaknesses, he’s also more of a developmental pick that could eventually develop into a larger role in years two and three. This is especially true as current free agent Tony Pollard is expected to move on soon, possibly as early as this March.
The Cowboys need multiple RBs, so even if they bring in a Saquon Barkley or Derrick Henry, there will still be room for Estime to learn and grow. And, if he does, Dallas could become his long-term home.
Post-Draft Analysis
Pick 5.147 to the Denver Broncos
Estime
Check out The Fantasy Football Universe video breakdown of Audric Estime below.
