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Notre Dame Football: Cole Luke Didn’t Impress But Will Get Drafted

By Noah Strackbein

Sep 17, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver R.J. Shelton (12) has ball knocked away by Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Cole Luke (36) during the second half a game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver R.J. Shelton (12) has ball knocked away by Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Cole Luke (36) during the second half a game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Notre Dame football corner, Cole Luke, did not get an invite to the NFL Combine and during his Pro Day, the defensive back didn’t leave a memorable impression.

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Although Cole Luke will likely still get drafted in the 2017 NFL Draft, it isn’t going to be because of an impressive Notre Dame Pro Day. Instead, he’s going to use the amount of teams looking for defensive back help as his ticket to the NFL.

Luke isn’t a bad cornerback. During his four years at Notre Dame, he was one of the brighter parts of an off-and-on defense. Last season, when the secondary was one of the worst in the NCAA, Luke was one of the few reasons the Irish had any luck in the defensive backfield.

His Notre Dame Pro Day wasn’t anything special. In fact, he would’ve finished in the bottom half of every drill. No one expected him to put up big numbers, considering his talent is in his tackling and ability to play the ball. But as a projected mid to late round draft pick, it would’ve helped for him to put up impressive numbers at the Pro Day.

As you can tell, Luke didn’t have anything to fall back on from his Pro Day. When scouts look at his results, they need to stay focused on game film and his on-field ability more than his skills within the combine drills.

Starting with his speed, Luke’s 4.64 40-yard dash is not cornerback speed. This could land him on a team looking for more of a nickel back or safety. At 5’11, he can’t use his size to gain the upper hand, so speed is a must to stay in front of receivers.

His bench press of 11 reps is in the bottom third of all defensive backs, but it is better than some big names in the draft. Teez Tabor out of Florida only put up nine reps at the NFL Combine, and in most mock drafts, he’s considered a mid first-rounder.

Matt Miller still has Luke being drafted in the sixth round this April. Before his Pro Day, Slap the Sign’s ‘Notre Dame Mock Draft 1.0‘ had Luke as a fourth-round pick to the New England Patriots. After hurting himself on the Pro Day, he is more likely to fall later in the draft.

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Either way, he’s going to get drafted. He’s shown too much during his time in South Bend to be passed up for seven rounds. He now has, even more, work to do, but with his talent, he’ll make some NFL team happy for taking a chance on him.

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