Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith was once projected to be a top 10 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, however, now his NFL future looks relatively cloudy. Smith suffered a brutal injury during the Fiesta Bowl as Notre Dame fell to Ohio State. He tore his left ACL and LCL, which is a terrible injury by itself, but the injury proved to be more complicated than expected.
Smith was spotted wearing an ankle foot orthosis brace, which could mean he has suffered possible nerve damage which could put his NFL career in jeopardy. Three NFL teams have reportedly removed him from their draft boards as his value fell dramatically throughout the league. Things may be looking brighter for the young NFL prospect's future as Notre Dame conducted its Pro Day.
Smith was seen walking around without a limp and did not appear to be in any discomfort as he walked around the facilities. He did not participate in any of the field drills, however, he did post 24 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, which just so happens to be the same amount top 10 draft prospect and all-star Notre Dame offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley recorded as well.
He also leg pressed more than 600 pounds showing that while he may not be 100 percent, he is only regaining his strength. Smith stated, "Rehab is going great. I am leg-pressing over 600 pounds right now. I am squatting over 400 pounds. I am getting that strength back. It's just a matter of time."
He may be too risky for some teams to take a chance on, but if he can show that he is clearly on his way to recovery at his medical re-check in Indianapolis April 14-15, he may improve his draft stock tremendously.
It is there that he will learn about any possible lingering nerve damage and so will the NFL. Smith can take some solace in the fact that he took out a $5 million loss of value insurance policy that would pay him up to $700,000 if he fell outside of the first round and $100,000 per pick going forward.
It may have been Smith's teammate and fellow linebacker Jarrett Grace who had the most interesting thing to say about the star linebacker. "You see plenty of tremendous athletes out there, popping off crazy numbers at the combine and stuff," he said. "But he has that and the other side, the [intangible] side. An 80 percent Jaylon Smith is going to be better than everyone else in the draft."