Ranking the Dallas Cowboys 10 best players on the roster
By Randy Gurzi
10. Jaylon Smith, Linebacker
One of the best feel-good stories in the NFL over the past several seasons, Dallas linebacker Jaylon Smith overcame a devastating knee injury and subsequent nerve damage and turned into one of the biggest stars in the game. There were questions as to whether or not Smith could continue to play after suffering a torn ACL and LCL.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Following the surgery, Smith struggled with nerve damage and missed his entire rookie season of 2016 as he fought his way back. Smith then played with an AFO brace in 2017 as he suffered from drop foot. He was better than expected that year but really broke out in 2018, recording 121 tackles, four sacks, and scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery.
Smith took a step back in 2019 as Pro Football Focus (subscription required) dropped his grade from 84.5 during his second season on the field to a 70.2. Even with the drop, he was the 18th highest-rated player at his position according to the analytical site. He also had a new career-high with 142 tackles for Dallas while also recording his first career interception.
This season, Smith is expected to move to the outside in Mike Nolan’s defense. The hope is this will allow him to become more of a play-maker, which would include taking advantage of his ability to get after the quarterback. This move could be huge and in the end, Smith could be much higher than No. 10 on this roster.