Jaylon Smith: Most expensive NFL redshirt ever?

11:24 AM ET

It appears that at least some NFL teams are prepared to make Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith the latest — and perhaps the most expensive — redshirt draft pick in recent league history.

Smith was one of the draft’s top prospects before suffering a major left knee injury Jan. 1 in the Fiesta Bowl, tearing his ACL and LCL. He also has nerve damage and isn’t expected to be ready to play until the 2017 season.

But according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, interest in Smith remains high enough that he will be drafted no later than the third round Friday night. One head coach told Schefter that it’s possible Smith will be drafted by the end of Round 1.

2016 NFL DRAFT

Round 1: April 28, 8 p.m. ETRds. 2-3: April 29, 7 p.m. ETRds. 4-7: April 30, noon ETWhere: Auditorium Theatre, Chicago

NFL draft home page »

• 2016 NFL draft order » • Todd McShay: Mock 5.0 » • Mel Kiper Jr.: ‘Grade A’ Mock » • Mel Kiper Jr.: Mock 4.0 » • Todd McShay: Needs for each team • Todd McShay’s tier rankings • Mel Kiper Jr.’s Big Board » • Top prospects by position » …

continue reading in source espn.go.com