The Dallas Cowboys took Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith even though he likely won't contribute until 2017 because of a major knee injury.

The Cowboys took Smith with the 34th overall pick in the second round Friday night.

But he says he thinks he can play in 2016.

Here is what he said on a Cowboys news conference call:

Question: On if there's a chance he can play in 2016

Smith: "Absolutely. Never doubt God."

Question: On if he was surprised to hear his name called at No. 34

Smith: "Just a great opportunity for me. I just wanted to hear my name called and for it to be called early, it's just a blessing. I'm thankful right now."

Question: On if he knew the Cowboys like him

Smith: "Yes. It definitely helps when their team doctor performs the surgery. So I'm very thankful."

Question: On where he is in his recovery

Smith: "For me it's just progressing each and every day. I've been running for three and a half weeks now. It's just a progress and time is definitely a place where you have to be patient. I've been killing it."

Question: On why so much emotion when the pick was made

Smith: "Because just everything I've been through thus far. It's been the most challenging time of my life, but at the same time it's been the best time of my life where my dream has just come true. I've been wanting to play in the NFL since I was seven years old. For 13 years. It's just a blessing."

Question: On why the best time and not a lost opportunity with predicted projection and play status

Smith: "Because I'm going to be fine. I'll be able to play again. It's just timing. Timing is everything and for Dallas to draft me, they're going to get a great player. I'm looking forward to playing for a great team."

Question: On how often he gets tested for the nerve and how are the ligaments

Smith: "I get different sensations everyday with the nerve, but it's just a timing thing. I'm only three and a half months out, so time will definitely tell, but the knee is fine. That was cleared at the medical recheck that the knee won't have any issues. But it's just a timing thing for the nerve. It's too early in the process to tell."

Question: On what was the recovery time the doctors gave him after surgery

Smith: "There's no recovery time because this is a process where we're relying on God to do his work. We have to be patient and you know the nerve can come back tomorrow. It's just a timing thing. Whenever it wants to come back, it'll come back."

Question: On why he picked Dr. Cooper to perform the surgery

Smith: "I trusted in my team doctors at Notre Dame and then also some good advice from the great Eugene Parker."

Question: On what he's asked his brother, Cowboys running back Rod Smith, about playing for Coach Garrett

Smith: "Just how well he is; how great he is as a coach. Very player oriented, he loves his guys. We've had long talks about my brothers first year in the NFL and for me to be able to play with him is an honor."

Question: On when was the last time he played with his brother if ever

Smith: "We've never been able to play together in our entire lives. My freshman year of high school I started varsity but I went to Bishop Luers, a Catholic High School, and Rod was a senior at Paul Harding High School. So we played against each other. Obviously my team won."

Question: On how much it will help to get acclimated here with him

Smith: "It will because he's been through it. He knows the organization so he'll be able to kind of show me the ropes, we'll get the hang of things, and it's going to be a great year."

Question: On what are the Cowboys getting when he is healthy

Smith: "They're getting a heck of a player. A guy who knows his football IQ, very intelligent, but also a playmaker. That's something that I'll be able to compliment, be able to pass rush, both sideline to sideline. Looking forward to playing with Mr. (Sean) Lee."

Question: On how Sean Lee isn't that old

Smith: "But I'll look up to him so much. Lot of respect."

Question: On if he expects to get involved immediately like the rest of the rookies

Smith: "Yes, it's just a timing thing. I come right in, I'm ready to go tomorrow or whenever they want me there. Yeah, definitely ready to get acclimated and it's going to be some great years in Dallas."

Question: On how much contact he had with the Cowboys' coaches and scouts

Smith: "Definitely some of the scouts. I forget their names, but just from checking in and seeing how rehab was going."

Question: On where he is

Smith: "We're in Fort Wayne, Indiana."

Question: On where the party is at

Smith: "Yeah, well I'm a huge bowler. I'm great at bowling. I love bowling. But we're at a bowling alley, a private bowling alley and they also have a golf course. It's called Lakeside Golf Course and Bowl."

Question: On if his brother is with him

Smith: "Yeah, he's right here actually."

Question: On if Rod is a good bowler

Smith: "No, he's horrible!"

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