2016 NFL Draft: 10 Most Explosive Prospects in the Draft
By Jon Dove
Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
Notre Dame’s Jaylon Smith is not only one of the most explosive players in the draft but one of the best overall prospects. However, his draft stock is flux right now because of the major knee injury he suffered in Notre Dame’s bowl game. He’s expected to make a full recovery and regain every bit of his athleticism.
Smith is built in the mold of what the NFL is targeting in linebacker prospects. He’s someone who can make plays sideline to sideline, fire into the backfield and hold up in coverage. His ability to check all these boxes is thanks to his explosiveness and feel for the game.
Notre Dame’s defense featured a ton of talent this past year, but Smith routinely jumped off the screen. He’s the type of player who is always flying to the football and eats up a ton of ground in a hurry. It seems that he’s never in a place where he can’t make a play on the ball.
His injury absolutely hurts his draft stock, but not as dramatically as some may think. Smith still has a good shot to crack the top-10. There just aren’t many prospects in this draft with his upside. A healthy Smith would’ve been in the discussion for the top overall pick.
Next: Myles Jack