Zack Martin tops Notre Dame's NFL draft Russell Wilson Navy Jersey prospects
Notre Dame has one sure first round pick in Zack Martin, who NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock believes could excel at all five offensive line spots.
"He's about as safe a player as there is in this draft," said Mayock, who also calls Notre Dame games for NBC. "If you want him, you better get him early."
Kelly raved of Martin: "Put a 'C' on his shirt right away. He's the best I've ever coached in that he will galvanize a locker room. He's an incredible practice player who does everything right before you get to Saturday or http://www.footballseahawksprostore.com/Nike-Zach-Miller-Jersey.html Sunday. Then on Sunday, he's your best player, a can't miss guy like I've never had before."
Defensive linemen Stephon Tuitt and Louis Nix are possible first rounders, and tight end Troy Niklas footballseahawksprostore.com/Nike-Marshawn-Lynch-Jersey.html is likely to go in the second. Four high level selections would represent Notre Dame's best haul since the mid '90s.
Four Irish players were taken among the first 87 picks in Russell Wilson Authentic Jersey 1997, led by Renaldo Wynn at No. 21. The 1994 class was dipped in gold seven players among the top 92, including first rounders Bryant Young, Aaron Taylor and Jeff Burris.
"Heck, yeah, we're rooting for all of our guys," Kelly said. "Is it what I came to Notre Dame for? No. I came to Notre Dame to develop and graduate (players) and to win national championships. This is a byproduct."
Kelly will keep tabs on the first round Thursday night at a fundraiser in Grand Rapids, Mich., for a former player.
Eastern Illinois' Jimmy Garoppolo, poised to be the first Chicago area native to have his name called, is in New York for the festivities. He was one of four quarterbacks invited Richard Sherman Youth Jersey to Radio City Music Hall, joining Texas A Johnny Manziel, Central Florida's Blake Bortles and Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater.
Garoppolo chose EIU after getting stiff armed by Big Ten and Mid American Conference schools, but he's no longer under the radar. He might get snapped up in the first round.
Former NFL quarterback Jeff Christensen of the Throw It Deep academy in Lockport has been touting and training Garoppolo since before his sophomore season at Rolling Meadows. Christensen believes he's the top quarterback in the draft, a 6 foot 21/4, 226 pounder with good footwork and a quick release. His delivery has drawn comparisons to those of EIU alumnus Tony Romo and Kirk Cousins, another Christensen pupil.
"He gets better and better," Christensen said of Garoppolo, who threw for 5,050 yards and 33 touchdowns last season. "He's not deviating from his training or looking for a magic recipe.
"And think about it: He didn't have guys like (Brandon) Marshall, (Alshon) Jeffery and (Martellus) Bennett to throw to. How open would those 6 5 dudes look running up the field? He might play better in the NFL than he did in college."
Well, NFL defensive backs might have something to say about that.
Christensen hopes another EIU alumnus, Saints coach Sean Payton, takes Garoppolo at No. 27 and grooms him to succeed Drew Brees.
Another player with local ties expected to be taken by Friday (second and third rounds) is Northern Illinois Richard Sherman Jersey safety Jimmie Ward.