Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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78 PRESEASON 2019 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED IRISH IN THE PROS BY ANDREW MENTOCK E ach offseason, the NFL Network puts out a list of the top 100 players. The NFL Network Top 100 — which is voted on by the players — is usually a major spark for fan intrigue, providing content for endless debates and mark- ing that the next season is just around the corner. Three former Fighting Irish play- ers made the 2019 list, which was tied for seventh in terms of the most top- 100 alumni. While Notre Dame was behind programs like Alabama, LSU, California, USC, Wisconsin and Ohio State, three is actually the highest num- ber of former Irish players to make the list. In each of the last three summers, Notre Dame has had two alums make it. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, no former Irish players cracked the top 100. The list was first published in 2011. The Notre Dame graduates to make the list this summer were No. 59 Zack Martin, a guard for the Dallas Cow- boys; No. 61 Jaylon Smith, a linebacker for the Cowboys; and No. 83 Harrison Smith, a safety for the Minnesota Vi- kings. This is Jaylon Smith's first appear- ance and a good sign he has gained back the athleticism he had prior to tearing his ACL and LCL in the first quarter of the Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State on Jan. 1, 2016. Smith was a full-time starter for the first time in his professional career in 2018 and responded with 121 tackles, which tied for the 13th most in the NFL, and four sacks. The 228-pound middle linebacker is reportedly justifying his ranking dur- ing practice this offseason. "Thing I saw that I can't believe I saw at #Cowboys practice: Jaylon Smith run stride for stride with Ta- von Austin for 50 yards down middle of field," ESPN reporter Ed Werder tweeted Aug. 14. To put this in context, Austin, a wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, ran a 4.34 40-yard dash at the 2013 NFL Combine. Harrison Smith has been a main- stay on the list since 2016. Last year, he was ranked No. 46, but in every other season, Smith has fallen in the 70-80 range. He is one of four safeties listed. "Smith thrives against the run, scor- ing a 91.3 run-defense grade in 2018, via [Pro Football Focus]," NFL.com wrote in the recap of its list. "He also was the most efficient tackling safety in 2018." This is Martin's third appearance in a row in the NFL Network Top 100. His highest ranking was in 2017 when he appeared at No. 58. "Remember when many thought the Cowboys should've taken Johnny Manziel over Martin in 2014? That was fun," NFL.com wrote in the recap of its list. "Since then, Martin has made five straight Pro Bowls and All-Pros [three first team and two second team]." Martin is the lone offensive guard to make the list, but Quenton Nelson had a good argument for a spot. While starting at left guard for the Indianapo- lis Colts in 2018 as a rookie, Nelson was named to the Pro Bowl and made the Associated Press NFL All-Pro first team. It marked the first time a rookie offensive lineman was selected to the Pro Bowl since Martin accomplished the same feat in 2014. Like Nelson, Martin was left off the top-100 list following his rookie sea- son, despite making the Pro Bowl. WHERE IRISH PROS STAND IN THE NFL PRESEASON The following is a glance at where the former Notre Dame players on NFL rosters stood as of mid-August. All NFL teams must finalize their 53-man rosters by 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Aug. 31. FIGHTING FOR ROSTER SPOTS • Josh Adams (Played at Notre Dame from 2015- 17), RB, Philadelphia Eagles: Last season, he went from practice player to the lead Eagles running back and a 500-yard rusher. But after offseason shoulder surgery, he is looking like a long shot to make the 53-man roster. • Alex Bars (2014-18), G, Chicago Bears: After tearing his ACL against Stanford last season, he went undrafted. He has been participating in activities for a few months now and has a chance to make the Bears' 53-man roster. • Jonathan Bonner (2014-18), DT, Washington Redskins: He is a long shot to make the 53-man roster. • Te'von Coney (2015-18), LB, Oakland Raiders: After going undrafted, he made four tackles in two preseason games and has a solid opportunity to make the 53-man roster. • Michael Floyd (2008-11), WR, Baltimore Ravens: In two preseason games, he has not made a catch and is unlikely to make the 53-man roster. • Bennett Jackson (2010-13), S, Baltimore Ravens: He was drafted in the sixth round by the New York Giants in 2014, but due in large part to injuries he has been unable to make an active roster. He had an interception in a preseason game against the Jaguars, but he still must battle for his spot. • Jarron Jones (2012-16), OT, Buffalo Bills: He was picked up during the preseason, but is unlikely to make the 53-man roster. • Ben Koyack (2011-14), TE, Jacksonville Jaguars: His roster spot may depend on how many tight ends the Jaguars keep. • Kapron Lewis-Moore (2008-12), DE, Free Agent: He was released by the San Francisco 49ers Aug. 12. • Cole Luke (2013-16), S, Carolina Panthers: He has been part of Panthers organization since going undrafted and has yet to make the 53-man roster. Going into fall camp, head coach Ron Rivera said Luke has a great "opportunity." • Alizé Mack (2015-18), TE, New Orleans Saints: He is battling multiple tight ends for a reserve spot on the roster. • Greer Martini (2014-17), LB, Minnesota Vikings: Notre Dame Places Three Players In The NFL Network Top 100 Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin was the top- rated Irish alum in the NFL Network's Top 100 — which is voted on by the league's players — checking in at No. 59. PHOTO BY JAMES D. SMITH/COURTESY DALLAS COWBOYS