Better late then never.

With the NFL lockout over there has been a flurry of free agent signings for college players who did not hear their names during the draft.  Even though only Kyle Rudolph was drafted, Notre Dame had several NFL level players.  Some of these players probably should have been drafted and some planned on the free agent route; it just took a little longer to happen.

If not for his injury in the Navy game that forced Ian Williams to miss games last season, he likely would have been an early third round to fifth round pick. Ian signed with the San Francisco 49’ers.  I like Ian’s personality and the way he plays.  I am pretty sure a starting role is not in his immediate future, but I like his potential to be a NFL player at some point.  At 6’2”, 305 lbs., Williams was defiantly the best defensive lineman not drafted perhaps the best overall player not drafted.

6’5” 350 lb. Chris Stewart was not only a physical beast on the Irish’s offensive line, but also was a great example of the Notre Dame student athlete, playing last year as a law student. Stewart was picked up by the New York Jets where they are a little thin on experience at the backup guard position.  I would feel very safe in the pocket with Chris Stewart in front of me.

Former Irish linebacker Brian Smith signed with the Cleveland Browns where he will add defensive value as he played inside and outside linebacker in South Bend.  Along with a lot of game experience, Brian brings emotion and a good attitude to the Browns.

Former Irish cornerback Darrin Walls ran a sub 4.4 40 time at the Notre Dame Pro Day, which along with his impressive senior season, should have gotten him a phone call during the draft.  Darrin is on his way to Atlanta hoping to help a Falcons defense in desperate need of secondary support.

Also heading south is Armando Allen to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  This will be a homecoming to Florida for Allen, who played his high school football for Hialeah-Miami Lakes in Opa Locka, Florida.  I enjoyed watching Allen since his freshman year when he led the team in all purpose yards.  I think Armando never reached his potential, although it was not all his fault.

My favorite signing so far is Robert Hughes, who after his freshman year was under utilized and underappreciated until last year’s USC game.  Hughes will also enjoy a homecoming, now playing for the Bears in Chicago where he played at Hubbard High School.  Hughes is listed as a fullback but is really a big tailback. 

Linebacker Kerry Neal, who also saw time at defensive end, brings a ton of game experience to the table.  He had a solid college career, never living up to the early hype, but he will be staying in the state of Indiana with the Colts.

The Irish transition into the NFL via free agency might not be done yet.  After an impressive freshman season, wide receiver Duval Kamara lost his starting spot but still saw a decent amount of game action.  At 6’4’” 225 lbs. some team should take a serious look at him.