Tommy

Kraemer

The Saints also waived offensive lineman Tommy Kraemer. Mond was signed by the Saints in April. After drafting Spencer Rattler in the fifth round, New Orleans no longer had a need for Mond. He landed on the Colts’ practice squad last year and will likely be stuck on another practice squad for the 2024 season.

Kraemer (6'5/319) started at left guard Saturday night, one game after serving as the starting right guard in Notre Dame’s October 12 win over USC. With the senior sidelined for the foreseeable future, Notre Dame will turn to either Trevor Ruhland or Josh Lugg to fill the void.

UHND.com’s Greg Flammang was none too impressed with the performance, writing, “They just didn’t look like the dominant group they are projected to be and incredibly they struggled in pass protection, which was unexpected given Notre Dame’s inability to rush the passer.” He referred to the line as a “work in progress” and noted that while he is "[n]ot panicking,” “this group isn’t to be penciled in as a significant strength just yet.”

Kraemer made his commitment to the Irish during his junior season at Elder High School in Cincinnati and he’s stuck firm to it ever since, with National Signing Day now less than a week away. The 6-foot-5, 308-pounder also saw interest from the likes of his home state Bearcats, Boston College and Duke. Scout.com called him a “big, physical lineman who plays with a mean streak and finishes his blocks.” They think he’s already among the best run-blocking recruits in the country. If he can improve his foot quickness, he has the upside to dominate as a pass blocker, to boot.