Pete Prisco of CBS Sports has released his top 100 list of current NFL players and Notre Dame finds itself with four representatives. As you’d probably imagine, the majority of those are on the offensive line while the other isn’t exactly hard to figure out, either.
To see Prisco’s entire list you can go here. If you’re only interested in the former Fighting Irish stars however, you can see who they are below.
The highest former Notre Dame player on Prisco’s list is Quenton Nelson. The current offensive guard of the Indianapolis Colts checked in at 15, the highest of any offensive lineman in the league.
Prisco on Nelson: He is now clearly the league’s best guard. He is a mauler in the run game and has improved in pass protection. Philip Rivers will love him.
Next up is Ronnie Stanley who checks at 27 after a tremendous season that saw voted as an All-Pro left tackle for the Baltimore Ravens last year.
Prisco on Stanley: In his fourth season, he emerged as a star at left tackle. His pass protection is outstanding, but he’s improved as run blocker as well, which is a must in the Ravens offense.
A mainstay as one of the best at his position since getting his NFL start in 2012, Harrison Smith of the Minnesota Vikings checks in at 37. He may not be quite the same player he was two or three years ago but he’s still one of the very best to do what he does.
Prisco on Smith: He should have been on the All-Decade team at safety with his range and his ability to do so many things as a big part of the Vikings defense. His play slipped a little last season, but he’s still a top-tier safety.
And rounding out the Notre Dame representation is a player who has been as dominant as his position as perhaps any player has been at their respective spots since entering the league in 2014. Zack Martin checks in 50th as he’s still among the best guards in the game for the Dallas Cowboys.
Prisco on Martin: He continues to be a dominant inside player. The Cowboys are able to do a lot of things on offense because of his ability to excel in the run game and as a pass protector.
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