Telvin Smith joins the Jacksonville Jaguars

Telvin Smith (22) celebrates after the 2014 BCS National Championship game against the Auburn Tigers at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

I wonder how much his failed drug test effective his stock, as Telvin Smith had to wait until the fourth pick of the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft to be selected. Smith was expected to be a second day pick, and he was easily one of the best available prospects heading into today’s action. The Jacksonville Jaguars finally stopped his slide, and they are adding the second-best coverage linebacker in the draft class behind Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick Ryan Shazier.

It’s incredible to think that Shazier’s speed, athleticism, explosiveness, and coverage ability caused him to skyrocket up draftboards, whereas concerns over Smith’s size caused him to plummet. He fits the new-age type of linebacker perfectly because of his coverage ability, and his size doesn’t concern me because of his range and strength.

Smith will be a great fit on the Jaguars defense, and Gus Bradley now has somebody who is athletic enough to cover running backs and can also hold his own against speedy “move” tight ends. He won’t be great in run defense or anything, but I’m not expecting the Florida State product to be a liability either. Smith has a better all-around game than some think, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he immediately makes a splash on the Jaguars defense by getting a few big plays; he’s a big steal for David Caldwell.