Given the reports that Jaylon Smith has multiple ligament injuries, does this force his hand to come back to South Bend next season? Consider, if he opts to go into the draft and cannot workout or participate in the combine, which I anticipate he will not be able to recover that fast, he will naturally drop out of the top 5. Will a team be willing to take a chance on him in the 6-10 range, or for that matter, would he still go in the top 5 regardless? If analysts and NFL executives think that he will drop into the 10-15 range, that will significantly affect his contract and the amount of money he will receive. Would that alone prompt him to come back to Notre Dame, get his degree and play one more season?
Serious Question about Jaylon Smith's Injury and Draft Status
- Thread starter Jersey Domer
- Start date
It's very unfortunate and too early to speculate. He may be the best player in college football and let all football fans just hope he can fully recover so we can enjoy watching him, wherever he may play, for many years to come.
You're absolutely right, Tim. First and foremost, I wish Jaylon a full and speedy recovery and whether he chooses to come back or not, I will enjoy watching him for a long time to come. I wish him nothing but the best and hope he gets well soon.
Some players never fully regain the level of play lost to that sort of injury - I hope he regains his full abilities.
Torn ACL and MCL used to be career ending more often than not. Now, medicine and surgery and rehab are such that most players regain the strength and flexibility to be able to continue to compete at the highest levels. Patient heart and determination often dictate the level of success, and given Jaylon's nature and character, fully expect complete recovery. That said, there is still risk and the unknown in all of this. And an NFL team with a losing record looking to get an immediate impact player is more likely to take a safer route. Can only imagine all the considerations running through his head right now.
The number one factors, I believe, that will determine his draft status are tenacity and character. This is what will be required for him to get back to 100%. He is overflowing with both. He might not be a top 10 pick as a result of this but I have very little doubt he will be a first round pick. His intangibles are too big to pass up IMO.
Patriots do not have a first round pick this year. They forfeited as part of deflate gate.
If he has the $5 million insurance policy does anyone know HOW it is paid? Based on draft spot? 1st year salary? etc
For conversation's sake, if Smith decided to come back would he even be available? If it's a full blown torn ACL and MCL, he only has 9 months to heal and rehabilitate. So despite almosy certainly dropping out of the top 10 of the draft, it may be in his best interest to get drafted, and recover and play starting at the halfway point of the NFL season or the following year.
http://www.ndinsider.com/football/w...cle_08334bd0-b1ab-11e5-8013-079945ec73f4.html
I think assuming he can come back he needs some good consultations from his advisors and doctors as if he drops out of the first round to the second he likely goes pro.....if he just drops from 5th-9th to 25-30th it may make more sense assuming he is still insurable for next year to come back and rehab and play.
Edited to add the article
I heard this is to protect his position in the draft from round one to a later round. If he drops from an "anticipated 5th" to an actual 30th but still in the first round the policy will not pay him a dime. He would still however lose out on millions based on the rookie salary cap and guarantee numbers.
I think assuming he can come back he needs some good consultations from his advisors and doctors as if he drops out of the first round to the second he likely goes pro.....if he just drops from 5th-9th to 25-30th it may make more sense assuming he is still insurable for next year to come back and rehab and play.
Edited to add the article
Last edited:
FWIW, FSU All American linebacker Sam Cowert actually had a worse knee injury than Jaylon. He was a 2nd round draft pick, played 8 years in the Pro's, was a Pro-bowler and was considered one of the two best linebackers in the Pro's along side Ray Lewis.
Just guessing I would say Jaylon goes in the 2nd round, will fully rehab and have a fruitful career in the Pro's.
Just guessing I would say Jaylon goes in the 2nd round, will fully rehab and have a fruitful career in the Pro's.
Wondering about these questions the past few days has also made me wonder if these exhibition bowls should continue to be played.
The extra practices help the underclass player, but then these players may not actually play in the game. For example, teams graduating a QB; what is the advantage of using him to the detriment of next year's QB? Schools get the same amount of $ whether win or lose.
Players that get injured may miss some of Spring practices that I think is more important for the following season than the pre-bowl practices.
Players like Smith could have their entire career/life impacted because of an exhibition that mostly benefits the local community, sometimes just an ego issue about the Rose festival or some other local event.
Many of the participating colleges actually lose money transporting team/cheerleaders/band as well as administrators to the game.
I am less convinced these bowl games provide a sufficiently positive outcome for them to continue.
How stupid is Duo?
Stop playing bowl games because kids get injuries? Why not play touch!
Maybe we should just shut down programs that cover up for rapists! What would FSU do?
Stop playing bowl games because kids get injuries? Why not play touch!
Maybe we should just shut down programs that cover up for rapists! What would FSU do?
Being a lifelong Steelers fan S. Spence our ILB had a similar injury 3 yrs ago. his was worse though. it involved nerve damage as well. he got hurt in the preseason vs the panthers. similar type of play. when they showed the replay is was gruesome. he has been back playing for the Steelers the last 2 yrs and has turned into a really good solid player for the Steelers. I think Jaylon will definitely be able to make a full recovery. and be a very good player in the future.
Financed 50K for the policy. that was to protect him if he fell out of the first round. Willis MaGhee and Adrian Peterson made it back. Best of Luck!
It tends to make me think could there be some changes coming to ND that also influenced his decision? Only time will tell. I do wish only the best for Jaylon, he's earned his big check payday.
