Dallas Cowboys: 3 Reasons Jaylon Smith moving outside is wise
By Reid Hanson
Positional Value of an Outside Linebacker
We don’t know exactly what outside spot Dallas has Jaylon Smith slated for but each side offers its own unique advantages and disadvantages. The WILL offers protection for Jaylon’s knees because it keeps blockers off his back and lets him make plays all over the field. It’s a run-and-chase spot.
The SAM will get him attacking the backfield more. He’s going to take more abuse and likely play less snaps, but he’s going to be an aggressive piece when he’s in there. This is also seen as a designated pass-rusher role Stephen Jones spoke of this spring.
Having Jaylon line up on the line in a 4-3 over defense means he’s going to be pass-rusher a lot. It’s going to have him charging the backfield, attacking running backs and pressuring passers. It’s the perfect spot for an aggressive game-wrecker like Smith.
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What does this have to do with value?
The ability to pressure the passer and produce a high volume of tackles for loss is extremely valuable in the NFL. Defensively, it’s perhaps the most valuable since it often leads to turnovers. Smith is paid like a linebacker but he now has the potential to produce like an edge rusher. Now, he’s not going to get double-digit sacks as an outside LB in even man front, but he’s going to produce considerably more splash plays and thus has the ability to be huge bargain for the Dallas Cowboys through the length of the contract.
Moving Jaylon Smith to the outside is better for Smith AND for Leighton Vander Esch. It allows each play to play to his strengths and set’s each up for success in 2020 and beyond.
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We don’t know exactly how Mike Nolan’s defense will look in 2020 but we know it’s going to be more disguised and more aggressive and moving Jaylon Smith outside will let him be one Dallas Cowboys’ most valuable chess pieces on defense.