Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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UNDER THE DOME arship players — to work with this December. Per head coach Brian Kelly, this was the breakdown: Left tackle — Junior Ronnie Stanley, sophomore Hunter Bivin and fresh‑ man Alex Bars. Left guard — Senior Nick Martin, senior Conor Hanratty, and freshmen Quenton Nelson and Jimmy Byrne. Center — Senior Matt Hegarty, ju‑ nior Mark Harrell and freshman Sam Mustipher (also a guard). Ronnie Stanley A Year Away Longtime NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. agrees that Notre Dame junior left tackle Ronnie Stanley has elite-level skills — for the 2016 draft, though, not 2015. The well-connected and respected ESPN draft guru didn't agree with some December NFL mock drafts that have Stanley as a top-10 pick next spring, includ- ing No. 8 overall by CBS Sports' Rob Rang. "In another year he could be a top-10 pick," Kiper said. "Would he be that this year? No. I think he would probably be a late first or second-round pick … [maybe] mid-second round. He's got to go back [to school]." Kiper indicated Stanley is somewhat similar to where then Notre Dame junior tight end Troy Niklas was last year. It was Niklas' second year of playing that position, but he was such an impressive speci- men that the Arizona Cardinals took him in the sec- ond round with the No. 52 overall pick. With another season in college football, Niklas might have been the first tight end off the board in 2015 instead of the fourth in 2014, per Kiper. "I was surprised Troy Niklas came out last year, and I think for Ronnie Stanley it would be a mistake to come out this year," Kiper said. "He's not ready. Another year could make him a top-10 pick in the first round. "… You gain that measure of consistency, playing to the level of your talent every week. If he does that, he could be an elite guy next year. He's not that right now. He's got the potential to be that, but he didn't play like it every week. By going back he could be right up there with the big-time players." In each of the last two NFL Drafts, five of the top 19 picks were offensive tackles (usually left side), including Notre Dame's Zack Martin at No. 16 last spring. In 2013, three of the top four selections were offensive tackles. Left tackles in general are considered the best athletes or most versatile offensive line- men on the team. Their popularity is based not necessarily on immediate impact but long-term potential. — Lou Somogyi Stanley submitted his name to the NFL Draft advisory board and is a potential first-round pick if he decides to turn pro by Jan. 15. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA