Notre Dame Football: Fighting Irish's Top 2017 NFL Draft Prospects
The 2017 NFL draft will feature a few respectable Notre Dame prospects, but the Fighting Irish would need a few early declarations to match their 2016 success.
Ronnie Stanley and Jaylon Smith highlighted the elite talents from South Bend, while Will Fuller, Nick Martin and C.J. Prosise were among the first selected at their respective positions. Only Martin wasn't an underclassman, however.
That exodus left Notre Dame's roster with only a couple of NFL-caliber seniors. Unless the best draft-eligible prospects—redshirt sophomores or juniors—depart early, 2017 will be a quiet cycle for the Irish.
But if those youngsters—three of which are included on this list—forgo a final year or two of eligibility, Notre Dame will celebrate another respectable showing on Days 1 and 2.
Max Redfield, Safety
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Is 2016 the year Max Redfield backs up his 5-star billing?
Without question, the safety's tenure at Notre Dame hasn't been great—particularly last season. Injury and suspension affected Redfield, who recorded 64 tackles and one interception.
Redfield's production has never consistently matched his ability. For example, he had a brilliant 14-tackle day against Clemson, but then he needed four games to match that total.
An NFL team will take a chance on the 6'1", 205-pounder. Since 2017 is a weaker safety class, Redfield has a chance to shoot up draft boards—or simply be drafted as a late Day 2 or early Day 3 project.
Isaac Rochell, Defensive End
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Entering his third season as a starter, Isaac Rochell is a fixture on the defensive line. His NFL projection is unclear, though.
The 6'3 ½", 290-pounder doesn't have a particularly impressive burst or move. As it stands, a team won't take Rochell—who notched a single sack in 2015—for his ability to disrupt the quarterback.
Although Rochell has the frame to adjust, he's not big enough to play inside. However, moving Rochell from end could be the smart move because he's a reliable tackler.
Rochell's progression as a pass-rusher is a key storyline for his development as an NFL prospect.
DeShone Kizer, Quarterback
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DeShone Kizer is locked in a quarterback battle with Malik Zaire to start this fall, which makes a possible NFL decision interesting.
A redshirt sophomore, Kizer has three years of college eligibility. If he doesn't win the starting job, there's little reason to declare. Kizer would absolutely get drafted but almost certainly not as a first-rounder. He has that potential, though.
During his first year as a starter, Kizer passed for 2,880 yards and 21 touchdowns, adding 520 rushing yards and 10 scores.
Plus, Kizer possesses prototypical size for a quarterback, as he checks in at 6'4 ½" and 230 pounds. Comparatively, Zaire is listed at an even 6'0". Oregon's Vernon Adams (5'11") just went undrafted.
Should Kizer be the No. 1 and put together another strong season, his first throw during the 2017 season might be in the NFL.
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Quenton Nelson, Offensive Guard
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Like Kizer, Quenton Nelson has three years of eligibility left, so he won't be pushed into the 2017 draft.
But Nelson is already on the scouting radar.
NFLDraftScout.com lists the 6'5", 325-pounder as the No. 2 guard prospect in the 2018 class. Nelson started 11 games last season and will reprise his role as the left guard in 2016.
According to Lou Somogyi of Rivals, Notre Dame offensive line coach Harry Hiestand—a respected voice in NFL circles—said Nelson's "size and strength and toughness are exceptional."
Mike McGlinchey, Offensive Tackle
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Alabama's Cam Robinson and Florida State's Roderick Johnson are the popular left tackles in early 2017 mock drafts. Mike McGlinchey isn't far behind, however.
Last season, he started all 13 games on the right edge. Consequent to Stanley's departure, McGlinchey has shifted to left tackle alongside Nelson to form a potentially dominant tandem.
"Mike has been our most efficient blocker, and Quenton is in the best physical shape he has been in," head coach Brian Kelly said during practice, per Tom Loy of 247Sports.
A 6'7 ½", 310-pounder, McGlinchey is NFLDraftScout.com's No. 3 offensive tackle in the 2018 class. Even when factoring in 2017 prospects like USC's Zach Banner, McGlinchey is a potential Day 1 pick—if the junior declares early.
All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from CFBStats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
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