If Mel Kiper Jr. has his way, Jaylon Smith will go from Notre Dame green to Gang Green in 2016. Jets fans just shouldn't be celebratory about it.
Smith -- who opted for the NFL Draft on Monday -- suffered torn ligaments in his left knee during Notre Dame's 44-28 loss to Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. He underwent surgery on Jan. 7 and is expected to make a full recovery.
Don't Expect Jaylon Smith To Play In 2016
A 2015 Butkus Award winner, Kiper Jr. believes he's well worth the risk late in the first round.
"By now, everyone knows that Smith suffered a knee injury in the Fiesta Bowl and there's at least the possibility he won't play football in 2016," Kiper Jr. wrote in ESPN Insider, per Gang Green Nation. "That said, I'm not exaggerating on the kid's behalf when I say he was arguably the best player in this entire draft. This front office will assess the risk, but they also have showed they like to take the best player available, and Smith is an absolute monster if he's back -- a Pro Bowl-caliber talent even if he loses half a step.
"It's a fluid situation, but it's mock 1.0 and I want to reflect his talent level."
Making The Playoffs Wasn't A Priority For The Jets
Talented as he is, Smith isn't likely to even play in 2016.
"He's going to get paid to rehab," former director of college scouting for the Bears Greg Gabriel said, per the Chicago Tribune. "The injury happening this late, he's not playing next year."
One could easily point to Todd Gurley -- who was drafted by the Rams 10th overall after tearing his ACL in 2014 -- but even he had a two-month head start on Smith. Gurley also benefited from tearing just one ligament in his knee, not two.
Lest we forget, the Jets were one win away from securing a playoff berth this season. There are more pressing needs Todd Bowles and company must address to avoid being home in January.
The eye should be on 2016, not 2017.
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