Brandon Hoyte is ranked way way way way way way way too low. He was the anchor on our defense for 2 years, is a hard hitter, a smart kid, and put up monster stats (evidencing that he can be productive -- pretty much what you're looking for in a LB). I'd be shocked if he wasn't drafted.
Andrew | Email | Homepage | 04.27.06 - 1:50 pm | #

I wouldn't be. I love Hoyte's attitude and his college production, but his measurables are suspect for a pro LB. That doesn't mean he won't end up being a sucessful member of a NFL team, it just means that he's the sort of player that teams are willing to take the chance of picking up in free agency. I read one article recently discussing the different attitudes pro teams have to Mays vs. Hoyte, mostly regarding upside, as in Mays has a lot and Hoyte doesn't seem to have as much.
NDomer | Email | Homepage | 04.27.06 - 2:04 pm | #

More than anything it all comes down to size. NFL teams are willing to take small linebackers (5'10"-6') if they have incredible motors and blazing speed. Ernie Sims is a great example of that. Yet with the move throughout the pros back towards the 3-4 defense, there is a huge emphasis placed on getting linebackers who are 6'3-6'5 in the 250 range who can really move. I'm not trying to take anything away from Hoyte, I think he's the hardest working backer I've seen since Bobbie Howard, but most NFL teams are probably gonna pick him up in free agency as a project.

On a side note, I think whoever gets Stovall is going to be in for a big suprise. In a West Coast system, like in Philly, Minnesota, etc. this kid is gonna be able to use his big body, long arms, and big hands to snag down a lot of catches. Write it down.
Brad | Email | Homepage | 04.27.06 - 2:48 pm | #

I would love to see the Steelers pick up Stovall in the second round. With the loss of Plaxico before last season and Randle-El going to Washington, the Steelers need a number 2 wideout.
Roman | Email | Homepage | 04.27.06 - 2:58 pm | #

Agreed, I think Stovall would be an excellent addition to the Steelers. For one, as we saw last year, the boy can lay one helluva block, a skill he seemingly learned overnight when Charlie an Co. arrived. Also, while he doesn't have deep burner speed that most NFL teams want in a deep threat, he's still quick enough and has a long enough stride pattern to get well downfield, and as we saw last year, he definitely has the ups and the know-how to use that huge frame of his on deep jump balls. Being about 4-6 inches taller than the average NFL safety means he's got a great advantage to do well as long as he keeps using his hands like he has been.
Brad | Email | Homepage | 04.27.06 - 3:59 pm | #

Note: Can anyone tell I'm excited for the draft? I'm actually getting a keg for myself and two friends, and I'm not moving til its over.
Brad | Email | Homepage | 04.27.06 - 4:00 pm | #

I think Fasano has also been underrated. Sure, he's not the pure athlete that some of the guys listed ahead of him are, but he's twice the blocker. And it's not like he's completely unathletic either, as evidinced by his leap during "Pass Right".

I'm pretty excited for the draft as well. A buddy of mine who's an ND MBA/JD grad are getting together and watching the entire first day. Should be the first of many, many more first day picks to come out of ND under Weis.
JohnWA | Email | Homepage | 04.27.06 - 4:44 pm | #

Something to note: The NFL.com guy gave Fasano a higher grade than the other TE's that will go ahead of him. I guess blocking (though they don't rate him highly on it) counts.
Anonymous | Email | Homepage | 04.27.06 - 7:09 pm | #

These ratings are probably right when it comes to draft. Headline "Ty's Legacy Continues to Cast Shadow."

They are lesser talent compared to others ranked above them -- on paper. However, I would bet on at least five of these guys listed on rosters, maybe six, come September.

Two with the Patriots. Any takers?Talent gets you drafted, heart and hard work get you a job.
Yago | Email | Homepage | 04.27.06 - 7:35 pm | #

Go to Ourlads.com.

Leave the big boy stuff to the experts. Half the links provided are done by arm-chair draft nerds.
Tony | Email | Homepage | 04.28.06 - 10:35 am | #

Big boy stuff? I think you're taking this mock draft stuff a bit too serious.

The whole point of the links were to show the opinions of people both with extensive ties to the league (nfl.com) and a few of the more popular draft sites out there just so when the ND guys get drafted we can compare that to the pre-draft consensus.

Besides, from what I can see, ourlads only has a 1st round mock draft on their site. My interest was in opinion on ND guys, not 1st round accuracy.
Pat | Email | Homepage | 04.28.06 - 12:23 pm | #

Tony, is this your first draft? It's ok if it is . . .
Notre shame | Email | Homepage | 04.28.06 - 12:35 pm | #

Question: Has any mock draft ever even come close to being correct? Even within 10 picks of being correct? I don't care who the 'big boys' are, the fact is nobody knows what is gonna happen in the draft until it happens. Hell, even the war-room boys don't know what's gonna happen, because they don't share information with others unless it is to trick them.
Brad | Email | Homepage | 04.28.06 - 1:03 pm | #

Remember when Matt Shelton was the lone bright spot in the offense?

Ty error indeed.
Will | Email | Homepage | 04.28.06 - 7:04 pm | #

Some thumbnails of Randal McCloy Jr., the lone survivor of the mine disaster, on Google News show him wearing a ball cap. Can't read the logo. Is that an ND logo? I hear Weis sent him a cap (or some Irish did.)
John | Email | Homepage | 04.28.06 - 8:24 pm | #

Big Boys ... war room ... yadda, yadda, yadda. The Texans' announcement at 8:00 Friday evening shows what everyone really knows...nada. More significant, or symbolic, is Reggie not going #1. USC's dramatic fall from grace seems to be amplified everywhere you look.
Bill | Email | Homepage | 04.28.06 - 9:14 pm | #

The most accurate predictor over the past few years I think is Gosselin, a writer for some paper in Texas. The Huddle Report is also alright, they keep track of this stuff, but most of the site is now pay only so I have no idea what they have said lately. I've also found Great Blue North Sports Report to be relatively accurate. All of this doesn't mean anyone ever nails it, but they've been the closest that I have run across.
okhrana | Email | Homepage | 04.28.06 - 10:34 pm | #

john- mccloy's been wearing an ND hat in just about every photo or video ive seen him in. even pre-mine accident, so he was a fan before. luck of the irish indeed, he's one lucky guy.
steve-o | Email | Homepage | 04.29.06 - 4:26 pm | #