Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/638727
Bobby Taylor (1995) — Taylor was projected to be a first-round pick when he entered the NFL Draft but fell to 50th overall (second round) on draft day. His 10-year NFL career, most of which came with the Philadelphia Eagles, resulted in 109 career starts, 19 interceptions, 11 fumble recoveries and six forced fumbles. Darius Walker (2007) — Walker surprised many by leaving Notre Dame after three seasons, though perhaps he saw an inexperienced offensive line and train-wreck 3-9 season in the future. He finished as Notre Dame's fourth all-time leading rusher (3,249 yards) and caught 109 passes in three seasons. He was not selected in the NFL Draft, but spent time with the Texans, Rams, Cow- boys and Broncos over three seasons. Jimmy Clausen (2010) — Thought by some to be a top-10 pick when he declared following the termination of head coach Charlie Weis, Clausen eventually tumbled to No. 48 overall (second round) during the NFL Draft. He remains in the NFL, with most of his playing time com- ing in his rookie season, when he appeared in 13 games and started 10. Once the Carolina Panthers drafted Cam Newton, Clausen was never going to be the guy there. He has also played for the Bears and Ravens after leaving the Panthers. Golden Tate (2010) — Tate won the 2009 Biletnikoff Award and was selected in the second round (60th overall) by the Seattle Seahawks, with whom he won a Super Bowl before signing a lucrative contract with the Detroit Lions. Kyle Rudolph (2011) — Rudolph was one of the more impressive products during Notre Dame's 'Tight End U' stretch and went in the second round (43rd overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft. He has at times been plagued by injuries but has reached a Pro Bowl during his time with the Minnesota Vikings. George Atkinson (2011) — Many will criticize Atkinson's decision to turn pro early because he went undrafted, but he likely saw the writing on the wall following his junior season. His playing time diminished and he was suspended for the Pinstripe Bowl, a decision he criticized on social media. Atkinson spent parts of two seasons with the Oakland Raiders, mostly on the practice squad, but also returned kickoffs for the organization. Stephon Tuitt (2014) — Tuitt had little else to prove following his junior season at Notre Dame, so he entered the NFL Draft. The Pittsburgh Steelers chose him with the 46th overall (second round) pick, and he contributed as a starter this season with 6.5 sacks. Troy Niklas (2014) — The most surprising NFL Draft entrant since Walker in 2007, Niklas went No. 52 (second round) overall to the Arizona Cardinals and helped the team reach the playoffs this season. Niklas spent his freshman season on the defensive side of the ball before transitioning to tight end as a sopho- more. Many thought he would emerge as one of the nation's best tight ends in 2014, but he opted for the guaranteed money. — Andrew Owens Defensive end Stephon Tuitt bypassed his senior season in 2014 and was selected in the second round (46th overall) of the NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA