Armando Allen, former Notre Dame Running Back, Signs with Buccaneers

Notre Dame running back Armando Allen, Jr. was amongst the several Irish players to sign NFL contracts yesterday as an undrafted free agent. With the lockout over, teams were free to start contacting players and it did not take long for contracts to be written up.

For Allen, he will join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and compete for a spot on their roster once camp opens Thursday, July 28. Changes are possible in the Buccaneers' backfield but not entirely likely, so at the very least Allen would provide depth or possibly return kicks, a specialty he shined in at times during his Notre Dame career.



Over his entire playing career, including high school, he was susceptible to injuries (he sat out his senior year in high school with a broken leg and missed the second half of his senior year in college with torn cartilage on both sides of his hip) so he probably would not be in position to compete for a full-time job. Splitting time is definitely the way to go with Allen. Another possibility includes lining up in the 'wildcat' position.

When healthy, he showed some flash and bursts of speed. He could wind up being a sleeper for the Bucs.

Lineman Extraordinaire Chris Stewart Signs with Jets

Last season the party line was that Chris Stewart moved from OL to 1L. Ever wonder what a day in the life of a college football player and full-time law student wrapped into one would entail? Here is your answer.

According to Notre Dame records, Stewart became the first football player in school history to be accepted into Notre Dame Law School. In fact, he was the only Division 1 collegiate football player to enroll in law school last season, but that's a different story.



Given his graduate level education a future profession in the courtroom awaits Stewart. But those plans will be put on hold as he strives to excel at another profession: an NFL offensive lineman.

Yesterday Stewart signed a deal with the Jets and will compete for a position on their roster once camp starts on Monday, August 1.

The 6'5", 351 pound Stewart played on both sides of the ball during his five years at Notre Dame but with such a large frame he projects as an offensive guard at the next level. Offensive guard is a position of need for the Jets so Stewart's presence will be more than welcome.

Even if his NFL career falters, he can always turn to law to earn a pretty penny in his professional career.

Notre Dame Product Ian Williams Likely To Sign with 49ers

Former Notre Dame defensive lineman Ian Williams wasted no time capitalizing on the recently ended NFL lockout. After going undrafted in the 2011 NFL draft, he's been in contact with a few teams and narrowed his list of suitors to three: Dallas, Miami, and San Francisco.

Reports indicate he's ready to ink a deal with the 49ers tomorrow morning.

The biggest knock on Williams is that at 6'1" he lacks prototypical height and, accordingly, arm length for an NFL lineman. Still, some prognosticators thought a team would pick him up in one of the late rounds.

After failing to hear his name called as the draft wore on and he ultimately was passed over, he became increasingly disappointed and frustrated.

He continued working hard during the lockout and, finally, now that the labor dispute is over it appears Williams will get a shot at his dream job in the NFL.

Williams will have ample opportunity to prove himself to with a new staff led by former Stanford head coach and first year 49ers head man Jim Harbaugh. Defensive tackle, Williams' position, was one of the biggest needs for the 49ers so he will certainly get a good, long look.

Best of luck to him as he pursues his career in the pros!

Hokies Rashad Carmichael and Tyrod Taylor Drafted on Final Day

Virginia Tech cornerback Rashad Carmichael was the second Hokie selected in the 2011 NFL Draft with the 30th pick of the 4th round (no. 127 overall) by the Houston Texans.

The 5'10" 192 pound corner had 35 tackles and 4 interceptions last season. He joins a defense without any established dominant corners and plenty of opportunity for playing time.

Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor was picked up by the Baltimore Ravens in the 6th round with pick 180.

Obviously they have an entrenched starting QB in Joe Flacco, but it gives Tyrod a chance to learn by watching. Maybe the Ravens will even get ambitious and put in a few plays for him in goal line situations.

Again, best of luck to all the draftees and here's hoping this labor situation resolves itself quickly. Undrafted free agents are in a real bind until things are worked out.

Ryan Williams To Cardinals, Kyle Rudolph Snagged By Vikings

Two standouts from Brian and I's respective alma maters were selected during the first two days of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Virginia Tech standout running back Ryan Williams went off the board first with the 38th overall pick to the Arizona Cardinals. He joins former Ohio State rusher Beanie Wells who had some injuries last season in the backfield.

The pick surprised many "experts" but as Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt explained, "To be quite honest with you, we're looking at pick 38 and we've got the 15th-ranked player starting us back in the face so that's something you really have to consider."

Williams was the second running back taken after Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram went at No. 28 to The New Orleans Saints.

Notre Dame's versatile tight end Kyle Rudolph was selected just five picks after Williams with the 43rd pick by the Minnesota Vikings.

Rudolph joins Brian and his wife Michelle in Minneapolis after catching 90 passes for 1,032 yards and eights touchdowns during his time in South Bend.

He also joins surprising first round selection Christian Ponder. The quarterback out of Florida State went to Minnesota with the 12th overall pick.

We wish both players the best of luck and look forward to more players from both schools going in the draft today.

ESPN's Three For The Show: Tyrod Taylor

Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor is one of the most gifted athletes in the entire 2011 NFL Draft, but he continues to hear knocks on his ability to play his position. He's the fastetst quarterback in the draft (4.51 40-yard dash) and he really has an underrated arm.

He might be a small project, but the upside for him is tremendous.

Here's a look behind the scenes from ESPN as Tyrod prepares for the NFL Draft and all that goes into it.

Of special note in the highlight reel at the begining, at 2:42 there's a Tyrod run from a game in Blacksburg that I believe had Mr. Sienkiewicz and perhaps Mr. Jones in attendance. Correct if I'm wrong gentlemen, the memory is clouded by Evan Williams.