Our NFL Nation team played a game of virtual GM this week, with beat writers covering all 32 pro teams participating in a group mock first-round of Thursday's NFL draft. As has been the case with most mock drafts around this time of the year, two former Notre Dame players heard their names called, though the teams may come as a bit of a surprise.

16. DALLAS COWBOYS: ZACK MARTIN

ANALYSIS: Maybe the Cowboys should have traded up to No. 13 with St. Louis, which I contemplated, but the Steelers snuck in and took [Anthony] Barr. A jarring move for Jerry Jones, who thought he had his right defensive end. Now I move on to the best player available despite the need for defensive help. The pick is Notre Dame offensive lineman Zack Martin. He would be the third lineman picked in the first round in the past four years, joining Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick. (Todd Archer)

25. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: LOUIS NIX

ANALYSIS: The Chargers gave up 4.59 rushing yards per carry last season, No. 27 in the NFL. Nix fills an obvious need up front, reuniting with former Fighting Irish teammate Manti Te'o. His presence in the middle should help keep Te'o and fellow inside linebacker Donald Butler clean. (Eric D. Williams)

The prospect of Nix and Te'o playing together again has to be one that makes Irish fans smile. It's worth remembering that, in the lead-up to the 2012 Heisman Trophy ceremony, Te'o said he would have voted for Nix. Te'o, of course, finished second that year to Johnny Manziel, though Nix had a breakout campaign that was capped by a stellar individual performance in the BCS title game loss to Alabama.