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Notre Dame Football: Four Former Irish Listed as Potential Rookie Surprises

By Connor McJunkin

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 03: Linebacker Te'von Coney of Notre Dame works out during day four of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 03: Linebacker Te'von Coney of Notre Dame works out during day four of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Drue Tranquill, Linebacker: Los Angeles Chargers

SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 29: Bryce Love #20 of the Stanford Cardina runs the ball and is tackled by Drue Tranquill #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on September 29, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 29: Bryce Love #20 of the Stanford Cardina runs the ball and is tackled by Drue Tranquill #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on September 29, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Tranquill was one of the guys who surprised a few people with how early he was taken, having his name come across the ticker with the 28th pick in the 4th round.

Tranquill is an all-time fan favorite for Notre Dame fans, coming back from two knee injuries, returning for his senior year, and being the captain of a stingy defense that led the Irish to the College Football Playoff.

While the Chargers are loaded with young, elite talent along their defensive line and backfield, the linebacker position group is a possible area of concern. With Jatavis Brown, Denzel Perryman, and veteran Thomas Davis leading the way for the inside linebackers, there is a lot of opportunity for the tough, smart Tranquill to find his way on the field.

An uphill battle has never seemed to slow him down before, and I don’t see why it would start now. If Tranquill doesn’t make an immediate impact defensively, it would not be surprising to see him take on a large special teams role and make his presence felt greatly.

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