Notre Dame’s NFL draft prospects

Sep 21, 2013; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback KeiVarae Russell (6) and linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) tackle Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Aaron Burbridge (16) in the fourth quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Jaylon Smith 

As of right now, linebacker prospect Jaylon Smith is a Top-10 prospect that’s projected to go high in the draft. Coming off a 112-tackle season, the 6’2″, 235 pounder could lead his Fighting Irish to the playoffs this year. Before Saturday, he started every game of his Irish career at an outside linebacker spot but has since moved inside.

There are many draft experts that love his explosion and compare him former San Francisco 49er Patrick Willis. From the running game, to rushing the passer, to coverage, Smith can do it all. Guys like that are usually the ones that take over games because they can do it in so many ways.

And Smith did that Saturday night, playing inside linebacker and coming off the edge-occasionally. If he keeps playing like this, he will very likely launch himself into the top-10 of the draft. His athleticism, physicality, instincts and versatility would be too much to turn down with that high of a pick.

Next: Ronnie Stanley