Ian Book 2021 NFL Draft odds, pick: Notre Dame quarterbacks have failed miserably in NFL over past several years

The first round of the 2021 NFL Draft is next Thursday from Cleveland, while Rounds 2-3 are Friday. Alas, Notre Dame fans expecting to see Irish quarterback Ian Book go off the board are likely going to have to wait until Saturday's final four rounds as Book is given an Over/Under draft position of 229.5 at William Hill Sportsbook despite a hugely successful collegiate career.

Notre Dame quarterbacks have a bad reputation in the NFL right now because so many have flopped of late. The last Irish QB selected was DeShone Kizer at No. 52 overall in 2017 by Cleveland, and Kizer was a mega-bust. Kizer is the only Notre Dame QB drafted during the Brian Kelly era.

Before that, the most recent Notre Dame QB taken in the draft was Jimmy Clausen at No. 48 overall in 2011 by Carolina. Another bust. The last Irish first-round QB? Brady Quinn at No. 22 overall in 2007 by Cleveland – bust. Perhaps the Browns should stop selecting Notre Dame quarterbacks?

Rick Mirer, the No. 2 overall pick in 1993, was arguably the last Notre Dame QB to have even a decent career, but he never came close to living up to expectations. Before Mirer? Maybe Steve Beuerlein, a fourth-round selection in 1987 by the Raiders.

Of course, a guy named Joe Montana was a third-round pick in 1979 by the San Francisco 49ers, and he worked out pretty well. So did 1971 fourth-rounder Joe Theismann, although not with the Miami Dolphins team that took him.

As for Book, he was the winningest quarterback in Notre Dame history with 30 victories (15-0 at home) against just five losses. The 6-foot, 210-pounder from California completed 64.6 percent of his passes last season for 2,830 yards, 15 touchdowns and just three picks – he had a school-record streak of 266 attempts without a pick -- while rushing for 485 yards and nine scores in helping lead the Irish to the College Football Playoff. They were summarily dismissed in the Rose Bowl semifinal by No. 1 Alabama.

That is one knock on Book's resume: While his 30-5 record is very impressive as he played in some huge games, the Irish were 5-5 against opponents that finished ranked and 0-3 in playoff/conference title games.

While Book has good mobility, he doesn't have a strong arm and isn't big in stature. NFL.com gives Book a prospect grade of 5.69, which equates to "chance to make end of roster or practice squad." CBS Sports ranks him as the No. 14 quarterback in the class and No. 338 overall prospect.

That 229.5 draft spot would be right at the beginning of Round 7 – the Saints currently hold pick No. 229 and the 49ers 230. Obviously, there could be trades.

Free NFL pick: Under 229.5 (-115)

Who wins the 2021 Kentucky Derby? And which massive long shot is a must-back? Join SportsLine right now to get Jody Demling's Kentucky Derby winner, see which huge long shot contends, and get the finish positions for every single horse, all from the expert who's nailed nine Derby-Oaks doubles!