As former Notre Dame players are hoping to make the next
step in their football careers this week during the NFL draft or perhaps with
free agency Talking Irish will give its annual two-cents on how they may make
out.
George Atkinson III had a year of eligibility left after
three years of not being able to step up to the number one running back position. He had moments of greatness but could not put
it all together on the field. Atkinson
has the tools to be a good player, especially the speed but he will need to
improve his techniques out of the backfield (lowering his shoulders) to make it
at the nest level. I expect him to go
undrafted and probably sign as a free agent.
His speed could make him valuable on special teams.
Joey Brooks came to South Bend to play basketball. He was on the basketball team for several
years before trying football. Brooks
played spring ball but never made the fall squad. Why he is listed in unclear as he never even
suited up for the Irish let alone played a down.
Carlo Calabrese looks and often played the role of a middle
run stopping linebacker. Calabrese was
more than a solid linebacker for Notre Dame but I am not sure he has enough to
contribute at the next level. 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 and Calabrese's careers were intertwined for five
years and I think Fox developed a wider skill set over that time making him a
more well rounded inside linebacker. 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.
Bennett Jackson comes into the draft with potential and
tools. I think he took a step back his
senior season getting beat on big plays.
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 has a very good career in South Bend and did
develop into an upper level college receiver.
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. Not only will he be on
and NFL roster next season he should have a nice little career.
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. Martin has more starts than anyone in Irish
football history and has consistently performed well. Offensive lineman are not flashy and can play
in the NFL for 15 years, make 8 Pro Bowls and be barley seen. Look for Marin to bring his lunch box in everyday
and make a solid impact during his NFL career.
Troy Niklas came to South Bend, played a year on defense,
moved to offense for his sophomore season, used his junior year to develop into
a solid tight end, then left. With a
nickname like Hercules his physical abilities can carry him a long ways. 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. It
will take Troy some time to develop but if he can work it out he could be
special.
Louis Nix III had work to do to make the transition from
high school to college football and made the most of his time in South Bend
(had a year of eligibility left). If Nix
can impact an NFL team on the defensive line like he did at Notre Dame he could
be a very dangerous player. 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. As an extra note his personality could make
him a loveable fan favorite in the city he plays.
Tommy Rees probably surprises a lot of people by being
listed as a prospect, however if you look at Rees's stats he looks
impressive. Even if you look at his body
of work coming off the bench he has shown poise and leadership. No way, no how is he drafted but I would bet
he makes a practice squad somewhere.
Prince Shembo could be a great steel for some team in this
draft. I have always been a fan of Shembo and think in the right system he
could be a good NFL player. 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. His
motor alone could get him a solid career.
Danny Spond is listed why?
He could have been a prospect but medical issues ended his career. However the NFL could someday be in his
future as coaching fits right into his wheel house.
Stephon Tuitt has too much of an upside not to be taken
early. Injury hampered Tuitt during his
play during his career but his combination of speed and size along with what he
has shown is well worth the first round selection. Even though he has first round potential
depending on team needs he might slide to the second round but I doubt it. If he can stay healthy and live up to his
potential look for a very good NFL career from Tuitt.
Chris Watt is the best Notre Dame offensive lineman not
named Martin in the draft. Watt has NFL
potential and most likely have to take the free agent Watt however I would not
be overly surprised if he was taken late in the draft by a team looking for a
solid lineman.
