Slap the Sign
Fansided

Top 5 Notre Dame Football NFL Draft Classes Since 2000

By Mason Plummer

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 28: Josh Adams #33, Alex Bars #71, and Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Notre Dame Stadium on October 28, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 28: Josh Adams #33, Alex Bars #71, and Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Notre Dame Stadium on October 28, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Former Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Zack Martin signed a huge contract on Tuesday.
Former Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Zack Martin signed a huge contract on Tuesday. /

1. 2014

And here we are at No.1. Whether you agree with the rankings or not, there is absolutely no denying that Notre Dame’s 2014 NFL Draft class is one of its best in recent history.

The 2014 class featured eight drafted players, something that is hardly ever seen — not just at Notre Dame — but anywhere. It boasted names such as Zack Martin, Stephon Tuitt and Troy Niklas. It’s not too often that a school can deliver multiple top-notch prospects to the NFL in just one year, but it happened in 2014 for Notre Dame.

Zach Martin was the 16th overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft, as he was selected by the Cowboys. At the time, Dallas already had one of the best O-Lines in football, but found it could not pass on a generational talent like Martin. He has more than shown his worth to the Cowboys as the 4-time Pro-Bowler has consistently been a brick wall for his quarterback.

Stephon Tuitt was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 14th pick of the 2nd round. The Steelers truly got a “steal” with Tuitt. I’m truly sorry for that pun but it was there for the taking. Tuitt has proven himself as a top-tier defensive end in the NFL, and is the leader of the new Steel Curtain in Pittsburgh. He has managed to stay healthy and has consistently produced as a key member of the Steelers defense.

Next: Notre Dame Football: Top 5 Draft Steals Since 2000

Another member of “Tight End U” was star tight end Troy Niklas. Niklas hasn’t truly had the opportunity to shine in the NFL, but was recently signed by the Patriots. He should get a great chance to show his talent under Bill Belichick. And beside, who wouldn’t love catching passes from Tom Brady?

Home/Notre Dame Football