Brian Kelly Expresses Confidence In Former Irish Linebacker Jaylon Smith
Nearly four months after former Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith’s devastating knee injury suffered in the Fiesta Bowl loss to Ohio State Jan. 1, there still seem to be more questions than answers about his future in the sport.
After the final medical recheck prior to next week’s NFL Draft, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter on Monday tweeted that Smith “is not expected to play in 2016 and teams are unsure when he will play again, per sources.”
The linebacker suffered a torn ACL and LCL in that 44-28 loss to the Buckeyes, and also endured nerve damage. As of last week’s check, the nerve had yet to regenerate. According to reports, NFL teams are concerned when — if ever — it will regenerate.
“He could be the best player in this draft,” ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said prior to the February NFL Combine, “and you’re probably going to have to redshirt him.”
According to ESPN’s Darren Rovell, Smith’s loss of value insurance policy will pay the linebacker $700,000 tax free if he falls out of the first round. After each missed pack thereafter, he receives $100,000 with a maximum payout of $5 million.
ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said this week that he expects Smith to fall to day three of the draft, which includes rounds four to seven — a devastating reality for a player some considered to be the best overall talent in this year’s class.
On Wednesday, Irish head coach Brian Kelly stood behind his former player.
“I would be careful to not jump to any kind of conclusions based upon the information that you’re getting right now,” Kelly said. “Jaylon will play in the NFL. It’s just a matter of time. He’s going to come back from this injury, and when he does he’s going to be one of the best linebackers in the NFL. He has that kind of ability.
Smith started every game in his three seasons under Kelly at Notre Dame before declaring for the NFL Draft in January.
“This is an injury that we’ve seen before,” Kelly said. “We’ve had them on our team. They take time, but Jaylon is somebody that has had an incredible positive attitude.
“He’s not a gamble. He’s a smart business decision when you’re thinking about Jaylon Smith, because he’s going to get back on the field just because of his ability to heal. He’s an incredible athlete and a positive guy. We’re not in that mindset of disappointment or concern that he’s not going to play again.”
Smith, as well as left tackle Ronnie Stanley, looked poised to become the first Notre Dame players to be selected in the top 10 in 22 years. Stanley is still a contender for such draft placement, with most mock drafts currently projecting him between picks No. 7 and No. 15.
The 2016 NFL Draft begins April 28 in Chicago.