Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith has already announced his decision to enter the 2016 NFL Draft, and one AFC college scouting director projected that the highly coveted linebacker could fall to the Indianapolis Colts with the 18th pick, according to NFL reporter Albert Breer. Smith tore his ACL and MCL in Notre Dame's loss to Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl, but he is reportedly expected make a full recovery following surgery.
Smith won the Butkus Award this season for being the best linebacker on the collegiate level. The Fighting Irish linebacker led the team with a 115 total tackles this season and recorded nine tackles for a loss. Smith is listed at 6-foot-2, 240 pounds and, prior to his injury, was considered the top linebacker on NFL the boards by most.
"He's fast, athletic, instinctive, and versatile," said the scouting director, via NFL Network. "He can close quickly against the run and shows very good athletic ability and speed in coverage." Smith's only real weakness scouts are likely concerned about is his knee and his recovery.
It's unclear if Smith will actually fall far enough in the draft for the Colts to select him, but Indianapolis clearly needs help on the defensive side of the ball, as they finished the regular season ranked 25th in the league in terms of points given up per game. The Notre Dame linebacker will be heavily evaluated prior to the draft and, if healthy, is considered one of the best defensive prospects in the class.
