Jaylon Smith Injury: Updates on NFL Prospect's Recovery from Knee Surgery

Former Notre Dame linebacker and top draft prospect Jaylon Smith, who's recovering from major knee surgery, was seen walking at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Continue for updates.

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Smith Comments on Recovery Process, Health

Monday, Feb. 29

Smith posted on his Twitter account amid speculation about his short- and long-term health:

"Everything will be fine," Smith said in an interview on NFL Network, per Bleacher Report's Matt Miller. "Recovery process has taken off. We know I'll be 100 percent again, only a matter of when."

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Latest on Smith's Recovery Timeline

Friday, Feb. 26

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that it was a "difficult day for [Smith], who had his medicals. Ankle and knee nerve issues, teams believe he's out for 2016—at least."

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Smith "Looks Good" at NFL Combine

Friday, Feb. 26

"He looks good," a source said, per Alex Marvez of Fox Sports. "Just needs more time."

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Smith Moves Gingerly on Surgically Repaired Left Knee

Wednesday, Feb. 24

Jac Collinsworth of NBC Sports captured footage of the former Fighting Irish star:

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Smith Major NFL Draft Prospect Despite Injury

Smith would be a surefire top draft pick if not for suffering a torn left ACL and LCL in a 44-28 Fiesta Bowl loss against Ohio State.

Even with Smith's severe injury situation, though, Miller has Smith going 11th overall to the Chicago Bears in his latest mock draft.

NFL Network expert Mike Mayock spoke about Smith on Tuesday and said, per Pro Football Talk's Zac Jackson, "If he did not get hurt, he’d be in the conversation for the first pick. That's how good a season this kid had."

Per cfbstats.com, Smith racked up 114 total tackles in 2015 after having 111 in the season prior. He is a magnificent playmaker who is right up with UCLA product Myles Jack as the most talented linebacker in the class.

But there are other dynamic linebackers who make cases to be first-round picks, including Ohio State's Darron Lee and Alabama star Reggie Ragland.

Smith's draft stock is going to be entirely linked to his injury status. The 20-year-old should be playing it as safe as possible and may have to sit out at least part of his rookie year to get to 100 percent.

Considering Smith doesn't yet appear capable of running and it's months until Week 1, it's too early to determine whether he is in real jeopardy of sliding on draft day. Any team willing to exercise patience figures to be handsomely rewarded if Smith makes a full recovery.