Notre Dame Football: ESPN’s Todd McShay Has Mike McGlinchey, Quenton Nelson as Top-15 Picks

ESPN Senior Writer Todd McShay’s first mock 2018 NFL Draft includes Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive linemen Mike McGlinchey and Quenton Nelson in the first round.

McShay has McGlinchey being selected No. 11 overall by the Arizona Cardinals and Nelson going 14th to the Miami Dolphins.

Of McGlinchey, the draft expert said:

This is another potential landing spot for Baker Mayfield, as Carson Palmer's status for the 2018 season is unknown. But if it's not QB (or CB), offensive line makes sense for a Cardinals team that has allowed the second-most sacks (44) in the NFL this season and needs upgrades at several spots. McGlinchey doesn't have elite tools, but he has good experience and is a well-rounded player. He is a high-floor pick.

McShay added of Nelson:

Guard is a glaring need for the Dolphins, who need to protect whomever is at QB and get more push in the running game. Nelson is the most NFL-ready offensive lineman in this class and a road-grader (listed at 6-foot-5, 235 pounds). He's ready to start right away.

McShay also included eight players who competed against the Irish during their collegiate careers: They include: USC Trojans’ Sam Darnold (#1 overall to the Cleveland Browns), N.C. State Wolfpack’s Bradley Chubb (#3 to the Indianapolis Colts), Ohio State Buckeyes’ Denzel Ward (#12 to the Oakland Raiders), Georgia Bulldogs’ Roquan Smith (#15 to the Buffalo Bills), Clemson Tigers’ Christian Wilkins (#16 to the Dallas Cowboys), Boston College Eagles’ Harold Landry (#17 to the Green Bay Packers), Virginia Tech Hokies’ Tremaine Edwards (#18 to the Detroit Lions), and the Buckeyes’ Billy Price (#26 to the Los Angeles Rams).

If the Browns draft a quarterback with their No. 1 pick, that’s a sign of dissatisfaction from the organization regarding former Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer.

The 2018 NFL Draft will be held April 26-28 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Last year, McShay released at least five mock drafts. In other words, expect some fluctuation between now and Draft Day.