Notre Dame RB duo makes history as first-round picks at 2026 NFL Draft

Jeremiyah Love: Former Notre Dame star sees 'special things' ahead in Arizona

In Seattle, Price joins former Notre Dame teammate Rylie Mills, a defensive tackle taken in last year’s fifth round, and safety Julian Love, who had an interception to close out Seattle’s 29-13 win over the New England Patriots.

Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III rushed for 135 yards on 27 carries, but he left as a free agent to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs on a three-year deal with $28.7 million in guaranteed money.

Price, a dangerous kick returner as well, projects to make $16.8 million on his fully guaranteed four-year deal that includes a signing bonus of $8.7 million. Had he dropped out of the first round to pick No. 33, his projected signing bonus would have dropped by about $2.5 million.

According to spotrac.com, Love’s rookie contract should guarantee him $53 million over his first four seasons, including a $35 million signing bonus. Both are NFL records at the position for a running back on his first contract.

A Denison, Texas product, Price missed the entire 2022 season with a torn Achilles but made it all the way back.

He and Love combined for 69 touchdowns over the past three seasons for the Irish via rushing, receiving, and returning. Their rookie deals project at a combined $69.8 million.

Along with former Notre Dame captain Kyren Williams, coming off three straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, former Irish backs figure to dominate the proceedings in the four-team division.

Mike Berardino covers Notre Dame football for the South Bend Tribune and NDInsider.com. Follow him on social media @MikeBerardino.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Notre Dame backfield duo makes history at NFL Draft