Is The 2015 Notre Dame Football Team More Talented Than 1988 or 1993?

Notre Dame competed for the National Title in the last 30 years only 3 times. The Irish vied for the top spot in 1988, 1993 and 2012. Notre Dame only walked away with the title in 1988.

The 1988 and 1993 teams were the most talented teams in the last 30 years. Is the 2015 Notre Dame football team is as talented as either of these squads?

Next: Will Parker Boudreaux Commit To Notre Dame?

1988 Notre Dame Football Team

Judging talent is difficult. But, of the Juniors and Seniors on the 1988 squad, 14 players were eventually drafted in the NFL during the 1989 and 1990 Drafts.

In the 1989 NFL Draft, Offensive Tackle Andy Heck, Linebacker Frank Stams, Running Back Mark Green, Linebacker Wes Pritchett and Defensive Back George Streeter were draft by NFL teams. Heck was drafted in the first round by the Seattle Seahawks.

In the 1990 NFL Draft, Running Back Anthony Johnson, Center Tim Grunhard, Defensive Tackle Jeff Aim, Defensive Back Pat Terrell, Offensive Tackle Mike Brennan, Defensive Back Stan Smagala, Linebacker Ned Bolcar, Defensive Back D’Juan Francisco and Offensive Linemen Dean Brown were all selected in the draft.

The 1988 team finished 12-0 and won the National Championship.

Next: Notre Dame Lands Spencer Perry

1993 Notre Dame Football Team

Judging the 1993 team by the same measure, 15 players were selected in the 1994 and 1995 NFL Drafts.

In the 1994 Draft, Defensive Tackle Bryant Young, Offensive Guard Aaron Taylor, Defensive Back Jeff Burris, Center Tim Ruddy, Defensive Tackle Jim Flanigan, Cornerback Willie Clark, Wide Receiver Lake Dawson, Defensive Back John Covington, Linebacker Tony Peterson and Linebacker Pete Bercich.

Running Back Ray Zellars, Cornerback Bobby Taylor, Defensive Tackle Oliver Gibson, Wide Receiver Mike Miller and Safety Travis Davis were picked in the 1995 NFL Draft.

The 1993 squad failed to win the title. However, they finished with an 11-1 record and defeated Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl.

Next: Most Prolific Recruiting State

2015 Notre Dame Football Team

Depending on the expert, Notre Dame will have 4 or 5 players drafted in the first two rounds of the 2016 NFL Draft. According to WalterFootball.com, Ronnie Stanley, Keivarae Russell, Corey Robinson and Jaylon Smith may be selected.

Bleacher Report NFL expert Matt Miller believes the Irish will have five players picked in the first round. He lists all the players above and includes Defensive Tackle Sheldon Day.

Nick Martin is included in NFL.com’s Top 50 Senior prospects.

CBSSports lists Wide Receiver Chris Brown and Strong Safety Elijah Shumate as Top 10 Senior Draft prospects at their respective positions. They also lists Max Redfield as a Top Draft prospect among Juniors.

If all players listed are drafted in 2016 and 2017, 9 Notre Dame players will be selected. The Irish may have more players drafted like Wide Receiver Will Fuller, Tight End Durham Smythe, Running Back Tarean Folston, Offensive Guard Steve Elmer, Offensive Tackle Mike McGlinchey, Swingman CJ Prosise and Cornerback Cole Luke may be drafted in 2016 and 2017.

Time will only tell whether or not the 2015 team is better than the 1988 and 1993 teams. Regardless, the team has potential to be the most talented team in 30 years.

Expectations should be high for the Fighting Irish.