Jarrett Patterson: Ready to Continue Tradition of Notre Dame Offensive Linemen in the NFL

On Sunday, Notre Dame offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson participated in the on-the-field workouts at the 2023 NFL Combine.

The two-time Fighting Irish captain entered last fall with a lot of hype. He moved from center to guard and was named a pre-season All-American, only to suffer a foot injury the slowed him early in the season.

Still, Patterson is in a strong position to get drafted and make a 2023 roster, joining a distinguished group of former Notre Dame offensive linemen to play in the NFL.

“All the years I’ve been there and seeing the alums coming back, it really is a brotherhood and a special place,” Patterson said. “I encourage all the guys who’ve visited there to give it a serious look and visit because it’s a great group of guys and great coaches. You won’t find any offensive line experience around the country like Notre Dame.”

Currently, there are 11 former Fighting Irish offensive linemen in the NFL.

Former Notre Dame Offensive Lineman in the NFL in 2022

*Tommy Kraemer made the Lion's initial 53-man roster but was placed on the Injured Reserve list in week 2.

Each spent a least one season under offensive line coach Harry Hiestand, who coached in South Bend from 2012–2017 and in 2022. In fact, his return played a pivotal role in Patterson returning for a fifth season.

“Bringing in Coach Hiestand is probably the biggest reason I came back,” Patterson said. “In talking to all the other alums that play for him, I asked him, 'is this guy really legit?' They all told me yes and raved about him. So I wanted to experience that. At the same time, I got to learn how to play guard.

ESPN NFL Draft analysts Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. considered Patterson a top-five center prospect heading into the combine. 

“Most teams see me at all three but center mainly [as my] first position,” Patterson said.

Still, Patterson’s position flexibility should aid him in his quest to get drafted. Last year, 22 interior offensive linemen were drafted, with just six of those players listed as a center.

He met with several front office personnel in Indianapolis. In every interview, he’s made it clear he’s willing to play wherever best suits his future team.

“I’d say every team I met with, formally and informally through this process, my whole thing has been talking about my versatility and being able to play all three interior spots,” Patterson said. “That has been my biggest selling point. I don’t care where I’m at. Get me somewhere inside and I’ll play to the best of my ability.”

An NFL team usually carries seven to nine offensive linemen on its roster its 53-man roster, so it’s vital to sign players able to back up multiple positions. That should give Patterson an advantage early in his career, especially if he’s a second-string offensive lineman.

He was also able to learn from the best. Six of the former Notre Dame linemen in the NFL play offensive guard, including past first-team All-Pro selections in Zack Martin and Nelson.

“I really just [watched] the Notre Dame guys that all played [guard], going back to the previous years' film and watching guys like Q, the Martin Brothers, the guys I played with,” Patterson said. “That was just the biggest since the offense has been pretty similar every year at Notre Dame — a run-first mentality.

“With Coach Hiestand and coach [Chris] Watt working with you, you can really learn anything [about] offensive line play.”

It should also benefit Patterson that the Irish ran several different run schemes in his tenure.

“In 2020, outside zone was the main play we ran,” Patterson said. “This past year, a lot of inside zone and gap schemes. I’m comfortable in any scheme. It doesn’t matter.”

Whichever team Patterson plays for, he understands that he’ll always be remembered for his five seasons in South Bend.

“Notre Dame’s a national brand,” Patterson said. “Everywhere you go, you’re always going to find Notre Dame people. Whenever you’re wearing something Notre Dame, even if they know you’re a player or not, you always get a ‘Go Irish!’ It’s something special to be a part of.”