Medical rechecks completed … Over the past couple of days, 38 prospects for the upcoming draft with significant injury histories were back in Indianapolis for final pre-draft medical tests. Included in the group were star LBs Jaylon Smith of Notre Dame and UCLA’s Myles Jack. Due to privacy concerns, the NFL does not release any information about the results of the tests, but league sources are reporting that it does not appear as if Smith will be able to play at all this season because of a serious knee injury suffered in the Irish’s bowl game. Smith, who had been considered by many to be the top overall prospect for the 2016 draft tore his ACL in an injury that also resulted in what is being reported as significant nerve damage. And even if he gets back on the field in 2017, there are concerns about whether he will ever be able to play at the same level again. No doubt, some team will be willing to take the gamble and select Smith at the upcoming draft, but it is looking less and less likely that it will happen in the opening round and after that could be any one’s guess. Smith, though, has reportedly been invited to attend the draft in Chicago so it could be an interesting watch. Meanwhile, there are conflicting reports about where UCLA’s Jack stands. He tore an MCL back in September and sat out the rest of the season. And while he was technically cleared by team doctors in early March and and posted a 40-inch vertical at the Bruins’ pro day, Jack has still not run and some teams are reportedly concerned about the slow pace of recovery. However, whether those concerns will it be enough for some teams with top 10 picks to pass on Jack, who is considered to be a top 5 prospect for this year’s draft, won’t really be known until the 28th. Stay tuned.
