Dallas Cowboys: Jaylon Smith’s progress provides a huge boost
By Randy Gurzi
Former Dallas Cowboys vice president of personnel Gil Brandt says linebacker Jaylon Smith has looked good in drills, which is great news for the team
The Dallas Cowboys used a high second-round pick in 2016 on Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith, knowing full well it was a huge risk. Smith was a top-five talent, but suffered a gruesome knee injury in his final game for the Irish. Surgery alone didn’t fix things as a nerve issue has plagued Smith ever since. This, of course, led to his fall in the draft.
For Dallas, they felt good about the risk. After landing running back Ezekiel Elliott with the fourth-overall pick they had reason to believe they were locking up two cornerstones on either side of the ball. One of the biggest reasons for optimism with the Boys centered around the fact that their team doctor was the same surgeon that worked on Smith’s knee.
After taking a redshirt year, Smith has finally started to feel better and is working out in drills during minicamps. As if that wasn’t enough to feel good about, former Dallas vice president of personnel Gil Brandt says that Smith looked “tremendous” and has the same speed he was famous for while sporting the gold helmet of Notre Dame.
Tremendous workout by @thejaylonsmith at Cowboys minicamp today. Doesn't look like he's lost any speed. Big test will be in pads in camp.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) June 15, 2017
The big question around Smith is what can he bring to the table after fighting back from his nerve issue and missing a whole year of action. The Cowboys can’t realistically think he will jump in and be the franchise leader from day one. Instead, look for Smith to be brought back slowly by the team, even as the season begins.
For those who want to see the same Smith that tormented offenses in the NCAA, that’s not a step back. Getting Smith as a key contributor — whether it be as a third-down guy or an occasional reserve linebacker — provides this defense with a huge boost.
Must Read: Dallas Cowboys: Ezekiel Elliott’s increasing maturity a relief
They already were a team that exceeded expectations in 2016 by going 13-3. The defense played very well, but then in the draft they got even better. Their first three picks all went to that unit as they added defensive end Taco Charlton and cornerbacks Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis. Shuffling Smith in during key situations only makes them a scarier team.