The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the 2016 NFL Draft is a week away, and another big name has announced his plans. Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith officially entered the draft, a couple weeks removed from a potentially devastating knee injury in the Fiesta Bowl. He posted video on Twitter, which I have embedded below.
Early reports indicated Smith suffered a torn ACL and MCL, but following surgery, a report suggests it is the ACL and LCL. It is still a significant knee injury that very well could cost him his rookie season, but no PCL or MCL damage seems like important news.
The 49ers have a need at linebacker, and there was some thought from beat writers that Smith could be high on the 49ers radar. Now that he is going to have to deal with the rehab process, it will be interesting to see how far he slips in the draft. I don't think he slips a ton, but it's hard to say exactly where he will end up. After all, it only takes one team liking him for him to still be a first round pick.
I want to thank everyone for all your prayers and support. Same vision, different path ! https://t.co/qyMF8ITKrK
— Jaylon Smith (@JaeeSmiff9ENT) January 11, 2016