Irish Draft Review

Notre Dame has turned another page in its history as the 2014 NFL Draft is finished.  With the University of Texas failing to have a player drafted Notre Dame now has the longest streak of consecutive of have at least one player drafted each year going back to 1938.  That is a nice statistic to share when Irish coaches sit in a recruit's living room.  After celebrating its history we should also take a moment to recognize this year's success.  Notre Dame had eight players drafted (the most since 1994) and four players signing as free agents.  To put the draft into perspective here is a look at how many some of the other national programs had drafted; Michigan 3, USC 3, Florida State 7, Auburn 4, Ohio State 6, Michigan State 1 and Stanford 6.

Last week talking Irish previewed Notre Dame's draft prospects, this week we will review how they did, how we did on the predictions and say goodbye to these former players as they move one to the next step in their lives.

Zack Martin lead the way by being Notre Dames first player picked going in the first round and number 16 overall to the Dallas Cowboys.  Talking Irish preview: "Zack Martin should not only go in the first round but he may also be the first Notre Dame player taken in this year's draft."

Stephon Tuitt was taken in the sixth round by the Pittsburg Steelers with the 46th overall pick.  Talking Irish preview: "Even though he has first round potential depending on team needs he might slide to the second round..."

 Troy Niklas may have been the surprise of the draft for the Irish being selected 52nd overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round.  Talking Irish preview: "Niklas could have used another season to develop his skills at the tight end position but because of his potential expect an NFL team to take him late in the draft."

Louis Nix may have been expected to go sooner than 83rd in the third round by the Houston Texans.  Talking Irish preview: " Although most pick Nix to go in the first round and he should, depending on what teams need he might end up going early in the second round."

Chris Watt also went in the third round to the San Diego Chargers with the 89th overall pick impressing us.  Talking Irish preview: "Watt has NFL potential and most likely have to take the free agent route however I would not be overly surprised if he was taken late in the draft by a team looking for a solid lineman."

Prince Shembo was the only Notre Dame player taken in the sixth round.  He went 139th overall to the Atlanta Falcons.  Talking Irish preview: " He most likely will not be drafted but he should defiantly be signed as a free agent and will work his way onto a team."

Bennett Jackson was drafted by the NY Giants in the sixth round with the 187th overall pick.  Talking Irish preview: "His body of work at Notre Dame may however may result in him being drafted in a later round.  If not he will not only be signed as a free agent he will make a team for the fall."

TJ Jones was the last Irish player taken in the draft with the 189th overall pick in the sixth round by the Detroit Lions.  Talking Irish preview: "Jones very well could be drafted in the mid to late rounds to a team looking for a solid receiver who has good hands, is a solid route runner yet a bit undersized." 

Notre Dame also had several players sign over the weekend as free agents.

Tommy Rees - Washington Redskins.  Talking Irish preview: "No way, no how is he drafted but I would bet he makes a practice squad somewhere."

Carlo Calabrese - Cleveland Browns.  Talking Irish preview: " Don't expect to hear Carlo's name called from the podium, however he could work his way onto a team's roster."

Dan Fox - New York Giants.  Talking Irish preview: "I think Fox has a chance to be drafted and if not I would expect him to be signed as a free agent very quickly."

George Atkinson III - Oakland Raiders.  Talking Irish preview: "I expect him to go undrafted and probably sign as a free agent."

NOTE:  Mike Golic Jr. signed with the New Orleans Saints as a free agent over the weekend.