NFL Draft Day!! A day that is circled on calendars throughout the country. It’s also a day in which the Irish faithful watch to see where their big men will play in the NFL. This year, five Fighting Irish footballers were given an opportunity to show off their skills at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Junior Running Back Josh Adams, Junior Wide Receiver Equanimeous St Brown, Grad Student Offensive Tackle Mike McGlinchey, Grad Student Tight End Durham Smythe, and last but not least Senior Offensive Guard Quenton Nelson.
Quenton Nelson (6th overall pick)
Quenton Nelson came off the NFL Draft board really quick. The sixth pick in the 2018 draft will stay in Indiana. The Colts selected Quenton to protect their quarterback Andrew Luck. Andrew Luck is going to enjoy having this big man in front protecting him on Sundays. Quenton Nelson had an absolute terrific Senior year at Notre Dame. Making the holes necessary for Josh Adams to do his #33Trucking magic. Per Michael Bertsch, Quenton Nelson was the seventh Notre Dame player drafted in the first round in the past seven years and the third offensive lineman. Nelson was the first offensive lineman selected in this years NFL draft. Quenton was named to the 2017 Concensus All American Team.
Mike McGlinchey (9th overall pick)
Mike McGlinchey did not have to wait long to find his destination. Three selections after Nelson came off the board, McGlinchey found his destiny in going to the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers have a young quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo. Garoppolo is going to be very happy having a big man like Mcglinchey in front of him as well. McGlinchey was the second offensive lineman in this years draft. McGlinchey was the eighth Notre Dame player drafted in the first round in the past seven years and the fourth offensive lineman. Per Michael Bertsch, this was the third time in 60 years that the top two offensive linemen were drafted from the same school. Mike McGlinchey was a two-time Captain during his playing time at Notre Dame. McGlinchey was the battery mate to Nelson on the offensive line protecting Brandon Wimbush and making space for Josh Adams. Mike was also named to the 2017 Concensus All American Team.
Hard work and dedication is what got Quenton and Mike picked so early in the the 2018 NFL Draft. Their leadership on and off the field is what the Notre Dame Value Stream is all about. When you punch the clock and do the work you go early in the NFL Draft. Irish fans should be very happy with the direction this team is going. Congratulations to both Quenton and Mike. Best wishes at the next level. Go Irish!!
