2015 Notre Dame Football Roster Stocked With NFL Talent

One of the top NFL Draft analysts, Matt Miller, believes Notre Dame’s talented roster will lead them to the National Championship Game.

Additionally, Miller projects five Notre Dame football players in the first round of the 2016 draft. He lists Ronnie Stanley (1st overall), Jaylon Smith (7th), Sheldon Day (15th), KeiVarae Russell (22nd) and Corey Robinson (31st).

Miller wrote of Stanley as the top pick:

"General manager Jason Licht filled many of the Buccaneers’ biggest needs in the 2015 draft, but the hole at offensive tackle is still a big one. Left tackle Demar Dotson is solid, but not great, and right tackle Kevin Pamphile was a 2014 fifth-rounder.Drafting the very special Ronnie Stanley from Notre Dame would allow Dotson to move to right tackle and give new franchise quarterback Jameis Winston a young, athletic, super-talented blindside protector."

The inclusion of Stanley, Smith and Russell on the list do not come as surprises. However, Day and Robinson definitely are surprises.

The Defensive Tackle from Indianapolis, Indiana draws comparisons to former Pittsburgh and current Rams Defensive Tackle Aaron Donald. However, Day has not been as disruptive as Donald. Also, he has a history of injuries that may alarm NFL GMs. Miller wrote of Day:

"Another draft, another defensive lineman in the first round. This time it’s nose tackle Sheldon Day, a high-upside player with a non-stop motor and the athleticism to make splash plays behind the line of scrimmage.He’s only 6’2″ and 291 pounds, which is small for a nose tackle, but he is an exceptional fit for the athletic defensive line the 49ers like to run. Day in the middle of Arik Armstead and Tank Carradine gives San Francisco an awesome trio for the future.Day is ready to be a starter in the NFL right now, and if he matches his 2014 impact in the middle of the Notre Dame defense, he could be off the board by pick No. 15."

The Junior Wide Receiver possesses excellent size at 6’5″ and 215 lbs. He is a mismatch for almost any Cornerback who dares to face them. At his size, Robinson does not need elite speed to be a 1st round selection. However, he needs solid speed, 4.5-4.6 range. Additionally, based on Robinson’s personality, it is unlikely that he would leave early for the NFL Draft. Miller wrote:

"You may know Corey Robinson’s dad. He went by The Admiral and dominated the NBA as the center for the San Antonio Spurs. But David Robinson’s son is making his own name as a huge threat at wide receiver for Notre Dame.At 6’4 ½” and 215 pounds, the younger Robinson has some of his dad’s length, and his agility shows up on the field. He’s a big threat and is able to work the sidelines as well as get down the field to threaten defenses over the top. Considering the Seahawks love big receivers that can get downfield, Robinson is a match made in heaven."

Notre Dame only had one player selected in the 2015 NFL Draft, Tight End Ben Koyack.