Louis Nix: Does He Stay Or Go?
By Andrew Hall
Oct. 13, 2012; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish nose guard Louis Nix (9) pressures Stanford Cardinal quarterback Josh Nunes (6) in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Louis Nix’s personality has become a mainstay of Notre Dame press conferences. Now, at the peak of their hilarious nature, these press conferences may be ending. Louis Nix submitted his paperwork to the NFL College Advisory Committee for a projection on what round he would land in.
What he hears back from the Advisory Committee will determine his decision. If Nix receives a First Round Grade, he will undoubtedly leave South Bend. But, will he get that grade? Michael Floyd and Tyler Eifert both applied to the NFL College Advisory Committee. Michael Floyd received a Third Round Grade before his Senior Season. These grades are typically conservative.
WalterFootball.com has Louis Nix as the #13 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He is not listed in the 2013 Mock Draft. However, there are several Defensive Tackles that are in the 2013 Mock Draft. How does Louis Nix fit in to this mix?
Star Lotulelei, Utah: 42 tackles, 1o tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 3 fumbles forced
Johnathan Hankins, Ohio State: 55 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 kick Blocked
Sheldon Richardson, Missouri: 75 tackles, 10.5 tacles for loss, 4 sacks, 7 Quarterback hurries
Johnathan Jenkins, Georgia: 50 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 10 Quarterback hurries
Kawann Short, Purdue: 42 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 4 kicks blocked
Sylvester Williams, North Carolina: 42 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 6 Quarterback hurries
Jessie Williams, Alabama: 36 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 passes broken up
Shariff Floyd, Florida: 41 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 6 Quarterback hurries
Jordan Hill, Penn State: 64 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 1 interception
Louis Nix III: 45 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 5 passes broken up
It is difficult to truly project what round someone would land in based on their size and statistics. However, when comparing the statistics of different players it’s easy to see where they may fall in the draft. The NFL College Advisory Committee will watch film to establish what his grade is. But, it seems likely that Nix will be selected in the Second or Third Round.
The question is whether or not Nix would leave with Second or Third Round Grade. It seems like Nix would only leave if he received a First Round Grade. But, it is difficult to get inside a person’s head. Nix does have a large family back in Jacksonville, Florida that he would want to support. On the other hand, graduating from Notre Dame is very important to Nix. He would not give up that opportunity unless the alternative was a “slam dunk.”
Ultimately, Louis Nix will be the Nose Guard in 2013. He has “unfinished business” at Notre Dame and the alternative of playing in the NFL is not that great yet. Nix will be selected in the First Round of the NFL Draft in 2014. Nix just needs to make some improvements such as stamina. Another year under Coach Lungo’s weight lifting system should do the trick. Nix is critical to Notre Dame’s 2013 season. Thankfully, he should be returning.