Slap the Sign » Robert Blanton

Notre Dame’s Robert Blanton is a Minnesota Viking

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 19:04:12 +0000

Former Notre Dame cornerback, Robert Blanton, was chosen by the Minnesota Vikings in the 5th round (139th overall) of the NFL Draft. Blanton will join former Irish safety Harrison Smith, as they both have been picked by the Vikings.

Nov. 13, 2010; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Robert Blanton (12) breaks up a pass intended for Utah Utes wide receiever Jerome Brooks (85) in the fourth quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-US PRESSWIRE

The Vikings traded their other fifth round selection to Detroit, then grabbed the Fighting Irish cornerback to help add depth to their secondary that needs desperate help.

The NFC North team took Arkansas receiver Jarius Wright, USC fullback/tight end Rhett Ellison and Arkansas receiver Greg Childs in the fourth round, before choosing Blanton.

For a complete list of Notre Dame players are eligible for this year’s Draft, click here.

For more information on the Minnesota Vikings, check out Fansided’s TheVikingAge.com.

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NFL Draft: Notre Dame players still on the board

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 16:13:37 +0000

After a good 1st round for Notre Dame players, there were not any Irish selected in the 2nd or 3rd rounds of Friday night’s NFL Draft.

Michael Floyd was chosen 13th by the Arizona Cardinals, who plan on having him line up opposite of Pro-Bowler Larry Fitzgerald. The wide receiver will look to bring his school record statistics into the NFL.

Apr 27, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman poses with first round draft pick Harrison Smith (right) from Notre Dame at Vikings headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Greg Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Safety Harrison Smith was Minnesota’s 2nd pick in the Draft (29th overall). The Vikings were desperate for a new face in the backfield of their defense, and hopefully they found that guy in Harrison Smith.

Other Notre Dame players who have been selected so far are Darius Fleming and Robert Blanton, both of whom were slected in the 5th round.

As for 9 other potential Draft picks from South Bend, they haven’t been as lucky. Here’s the list of players who haven’t been picked yet and when I believe they will be drafted, if at all.

ALL PLAYERS	ROUND TAKEN	ROUND EXPECTED	DRAFTED BY	POS	HT	WT
Robert Blanton	5th (139th overall)		Minnesota Vikings	S	6’0¾”	208
Taylor Dever		Undrafted		OG	6’5⅜”	298
Steve Filer		Undrafted		OLB	6’2	237
Darius Fleming	5th (165th overall)		San Fransico 49ers	OLB	6’1⅝”	245
Michael Floyd	1st (13th overall)		Arizona Cardinals	WR	6’2⅝”	220
Gary Gray		Undrafted		CB	5’10½”	191
Jonas Gray		7th		RB	5’10¾”	223
Ethan Johnson		Undrafted		DE	6’4″	294
Trevor Robinson		Undrafted		OG	6’4½”	302
David Ruffer		Undrafted		K	6’0″	186
Harrison Smith	1st (29th overall)		Minnesota Vikings	S	6’1⅞”	213

For more draft coverage, be sure to check out Fansided’s NFL Spinzone.

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Staunch Defense 2012

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 01:31:35 +0000

Manti Te’o to return for senior season! This is Christmas come early for all Notre Dame fans. This was way out of left field considering Te’o's remarks about head coach Brian Kelly earlier in the season, commenting that he “will only be playing for his teammates and no one else for the rest of the season.” Mel Kiper and Todd McShay had Teo at the 13th and 15th pick overall respectively in the upcoming NFL Draft in the spring.

So you ask why did he return for his senior season? Honestly, I am not exactly sure why he did this, but if I had to say it was due to the commitment he made when he first came to the University of Notre Dame, which was to play football and earn his degree from one of the most prestigious universities in the United States.

Although Notre Dame will lose Robert Blanton and Harrison Smith after the Champs Sports Bowl against Florida State December 29th in Orlando , expect the Irish to return strong in 2012 considering all the talent that returns on the front seven. This front seven will have a year under the belt together and will definitely have higher expectations come Fall 2012. The Irish will also have several recruits coming in to help out the secondary, including Ronald Darby whose skill set is at the top of the recruiting class. With the talent and experience returning for the next season expect great things from this defense!