Updated Projections for Notre Dame's NFL Draft Prospects
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein has updated his post-combine/Pro Day draft profiles and he has some interesting projections and NFL comparisons for the Notre Dame players who are expected to be drafted.
It’s no surprise that Quenton Nelson has the second highest grade out of any prospect in the draft after Penn State’s Saquon Barkley. The fact that Nelson’s player comparison is former Dallas Cowboys guard Larry Allen is about the highest compliment anyone could give an offensive lineman. Allen may be the most dominating run blocker to ever play the game.
Zierlein projects Nelson to be a top-10 pick.
Mike McGlinchey is projected to go in round 1, which is also not a surprise. His player comparison is Jared Veldheer, a long time starter at tackle for the Oakland Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, and now the Denver Broncos. McGlinchey has the best grade out of any tackle in the draft, but it is not a strong position this year.
It’s of note that an AFC personnel executive was quoted as saying that, "Notre Dame will even tell you that McGlinchey is better on the right side than the left side. He's just more comfortable and consistent there so that's probably where you play him.” That fits with everything we have watched over the last few years with McGlinchey’s best individual season being in 2015 when he played right tackle.
The wide receiver with the 13th best grade in the draft according to Zierlein is Equanimeous St. Brown. EQ is projected to go in the 2nd or 3rd round. His player comparison is Buffalo Bills wide receiver Andre Holmes.
Durham Smythe is projected to be selected in the 4th or 5th round and has the seventh highest grade at tight end. His player comparison is Dion Sims, who has been primarily a blocking tight end in the NFL. He signed a three year contract for 18 million dollars with the Chicago Bears last year.
Perhap the most surprising out of Zierlein’s grades is Josh Adams being projected to be a 6th or 7th round selection. He has the 26th highest grade at running back and there is not a player comparison listed for Adams.
The only other Notre Dame player with a grade is Nyles Morgan and he is projected to be a priority free agent. Zierlein has him as the 23rd ranked inside linebacker in the draft.