Things have looked bleak for Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith over the past few days, and things may have gotten even worse for him as the NFL Combine rolls on over the next few days. NFL reporter Ian Rapaport is now saying that Smith is likely to miss the entire 2016 season.
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Difficult day for #NotreDame LB Jaylon Smith, who had his medicals. Ankle & knee nerve issues, teams believe he's out for 2016 -- at least
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2016
Even worse, the nerve damage in Smith's knee is now feared to be similar to what former South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore dealt with after the terrible injury he suffered with the Gamecocks.
If you want a comp for Notre Dame LB Jaylon Smith's nerve damage -- it's what Marcus Lattimore was up against when he came out.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 27, 2016
This is all extremely unfortunate, as Smith was considered a first-round talent prior to the ACL and LCL tear. Smith had 114 total tackles in 2015, which topped his previous personal-best of 111 in 2014. Smith had 24.5 tackles for loss in his career at Notre Dame, and it would be a damn shame if he doesn't get the chance to showcase his skills at the next level.
