Jaylon Smith, Nick Martin, KeiVarae Russell and C.J. Prosise were all selected on Friday, with four Irish teammates taken on the second night of the NFL Draft. As mentioned, Smith came off the board at pick 34, with the Cowboys gambling on the injured knee of the Butkus Award winner. Nick Martin was selected at pick 50, joining former teammate Will Fuller in Houston.
The third round saw Russell and Prosise come off the board, with Kansas City jumping on the confident cornerback and the Seahawks taking Notre Dame’s breakout running back. It capped off a huge night for the Irish with Sheldon Day, one of the more productive football players in college football, still on the board for teams to pick.
Here’s a smattering of instant reactions from the immediate aftermath.
When you finally get the call.#NFLDraft #NDinTheNFL
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) April 30, 2016
https://t.co/X0eHjSSSFs
Welcome to Houston, Nick Martin!
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) April 30, 2016
The @NDFootball center is a #Texan! pic.twitter.com/MNeaJhqrdp
Bill O'Brien said Nick Martin will start out at center, but liked that he can also play guard
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 30, 2016
The #Chiefs got a steal in KeiVarae Russell. He'll start Day 1 at outside CB in my opinion.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 30, 2016
Thanks coach couldn't have asked for a better mentor! https://t.co/f8W50wtLmc
— Cj Prosise (@Prosisely_22) April 30, 2016
Carroll on @KingPRO_20: "He's a breakaway speed, big play guy..Very versatile player."#SeahawksDraft #Pick90
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) April 30, 2016
Seattle just picked an All-Around Stud!
— Brian Kelly (@CoachBrianKelly) April 30, 2016
CJ saw time at 3 positions & was Walker Award semifinalist#NDinTheNFL pic.twitter.com/LFHuBIT4Xp
Never a dull moment with Kei - whether it was humor or his outstanding playmaking.
— Brian Kelly (@CoachBrianKelly) April 30, 2016
Got yourself a good one, Chiefs! pic.twitter.com/j0LsexDMAd
The Martin Family OLine dominance continues in the NFL!
— Brian Kelly (@CoachBrianKelly) April 30, 2016
Congrats Nick on being drafted by the Texans. #NDinTheNFL pic.twitter.com/1pqHKhdjKr
CowBoys got a once-in-a-generation talent in Jaylon.
— Brian Kelly (@CoachBrianKelly) April 29, 2016
How many guys won Butkus in both HS & College?!#NDinTheNFL pic.twitter.com/swgfkDsTQ3