Cowboys Draft: Round 2 Pick 34 Instant Reaction – Jaylon Smith

The Dallas Cowboys surprised everyone with a linebacker investment for the future. Welcome to Dallas Jaylon Smith

With players sitting at the top of the second round like Noah Spence and Kamalei Correa, the Dallas Cowboys decided to invest in a player who will most likely not play a single down in 2016.

While the move may make many scratch their head, Smith makes sense for a future investment. Smith, who destroyed his knee, tearing his ACL and MCL, and had some nerve issues, was almost a sure first round talent before the injury.

While he may not play a down this season for the Cowboys, Smith is an elite talent and a three down linebacker. Many had compared him to Von Miller and Patrick Willis.

Sadly, the injury dropped his draft stock and the Cowboys were able to get an elite talent in the second round. Smith, when healthy, can cover side to side well, can cover tight ends, and has the ability to rush the passer.

Related Story: Jaylon Smith: Another 2nd round steal at LB?

In Dallas he will most likely be asked to play outside linebacker when he returns from his injury, and if he can get back to where he was, will be a huge boost to a porous defense. When Smith gets running downhill he can hit harder than almost anyone in the draft. He reads the defense quickly and makes a twitch move to adjust to what he sees in front of him.

Dr. Dan Cooper who repaired the knee said “I wouldn’t really expect him to get much innervation back into that muscle for two or three more months.” Which means while Smith is working out with a special brace already, he will have at least two or three months before he can really start working out again and getting back into football shape. The prognosis has been that he will make a full recovery, the timeline is still unknown.

Ed Werder Tweeted out:

The question with the need for pass rush is how Smith fits into the Cowboys’ plans. Smith most likely would take over for Anthony Hitchens or Rolando McClain next season. Either way if he becomes what many thought this give the Cowboys a formidable linebacking corps. If they were to keep McClain, the corps would look like Sean Lee, McClain, and Smith. This would essentially stop the short dumps that have killed the Cowboys over the last few seasons.

The question will be is whether Smith can return to his first round form. He will need to add some weight and work on his tendency to wait on a ball carrier or launch himself with some recklessness. If he can clean that up, Smith could easily be the leading tackler for the Cowboys for years to come. His talent was there, now it is time for him to heal.

While the Cowboys wait to see what happens with Smith and his knee they feel like his talent is too good to pass up and invested in the future. He could be a game changer, although, maybe not until the 2017 season. If he can get back before the end of the season, he could be a wonderful addition in the push toward the playoffs this season.

Either way, get healthy and welcome to Dallas Jaylon Smith.

This is a move to the future of the defense for the Cowboys. While there is still a need at pass rush, Smith was too good of a talent to let drop in the draft. Smith could be the biggest steal of this year’s draft as long as he heals up. Not the most popular move, but a smart one.

Next: Cowboys Draft: Immediate Reaction - Ezekiel Elliott

With more picks to come in the NFL draft the Cowboys can still make some noise to improve the pass rush. Follow us here for instant reaction and analysis of each of the picks as they come in. Sit back, relax, and watch round three and four, there could be a surprise or two coming.