Notre Dame's Jaylon Smith declares for NFL draft

Despite facing a lengthy rehab process following reconstructive knee surgery, Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith has declared for the 2016 NFL Draft.

Smith enjoyed a second consecutive standout campaign in 2015, and the junior captain was named a consensus All-American for his efforts.

Smith, the winner of the 2015 Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker, racked up 114 total tackles (nine for loss), a sack, and five pass breakups this year, before tearing his ACL and LCL early in the Fiesta Bowl. Doctors reportedly found no nerve damage in his knee, though, which means he should be able to make a full recovery.

Smith was widely considered a lock to be a top-10 pick, but it's conceivable that concerns surrounding his health and timetable for his recovery could drop him out of the first round.

Notre Dame has now lost five underclassmen to the draft, as Smith joins offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley, running back C.J. Prosise, cornerback KeiVarae Russell, and wide receiver Will Fuller on the list of Irish players leaving South Bend early.