Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/434567
UNDER THE DOME NFL Draft Evaluations In his first few years at Notre Dame, head coach Brian Kelly excelled at recruiting "six-star players" — NFL hopefuls such as wide receiver Michael Floyd (2008-11), tight end Tyler Eifert (2009-12) and linebacker Manti Te'o (2009-12) returning for their senior campaigns rather than turning pro after their junior season. Offensive tackle Zack Mar- tin (2009-13) even opted to come back for a fifth season when he could have been a high draft pick. Then last year, three prime examples of six-star potential left for the greener pas- tures of the NFL Draft with college eligibil- ity remaining. Defensive end Stephon Tuitt went to the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 14th pick in the second round and tight end Troy Niklas went six selections later, both as juniors academically. Running back George Atkinson III also departed after his junior year. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans drafted senior Louis Nix — who still had one year of eligibility remaining but did pick up his degree in December 2013 — with the 19th pick in the third round. This year, several more juniors (or se- niors with another year of eligibility) have realistic reasons to look at the NFL. On their behalves, Notre Dame submitted the necessary paperwork to receive evalua- tions for junior offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, junior defensive lineman Sheldon Day, senior offensive guard Nick Martin and senior quarterback Everett Golson. Only Stanley has shown up in various mock drafts to this point, speculation largely based on the 6-5, 315-pounder's potential at the coveted left tackle position. CBSSports.com listed Stanley as the No. 8 overall pick in its 2015 mock draft, while Walterfootball.com had him No. 6. Nick Martin said he asked for the evaluation to gauge his game from a broader perspective. "Just see where I'm at," the captain said. "There's no doubt I'm coming back for my fifth year." Next year, Notre Dame could face a different dilemma. A new rule limits a school to requesting only five evaluations. Far more than five players may seek such a review in 12 months, including defensive lineman Isaac Rochell, linebacker Jaylon Smith, cornerback Cole Luke, safety Max Redfield, running backs Tarean Folston and Greg Bryant, and wide receivers Will Fuller and Corey Robinson. — Douglas Farmer Junior Ronnie Stanley is one of four Notre Dame players with eligibility remaining who submitted paperwork for an NFL evaluation, and he is easily the highest rated. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA