Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Jaylon Smith (Notre Dame) - 2016 NFL Draft Pick #34 by DAL

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Jaylon Smith (2016 NFL Draft)

Position: Linebacker

College: Notre Dame

Overview

Jaylon Smith was regarded as one of the most talented linebackers heading into the 2016 NFL Draft. His combination of size, speed, and instincts made him a coveted prospect, but concerns about a serious knee injury raised questions about his draft stock.

Strengths

• Elite Athleticism: Smith demonstrated exceptional speed and agility for a linebacker, allowing him to cover a lot of ground and make plays sideline-to-sideline.
• Instincts: He showcased a strong understanding of the game, often displaying the ability to read plays and react quickly.
• Physicality: Smith was known for his aggressive playing style, often making hard tackles and engaging well with blockers.
• Coverage Skills: His athleticism allowed him to excel in pass coverage, making him a valuable asset in today’s NFL, which increasingly favors versatile linebackers.

Concerns

• Knee Injury: Smith suffered a significant knee injury during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl, which raised serious red flags about his long-term health and performance.
• Injury Recovery: There were uncertainties about how well he would recover from the injury and how it would impact his explosiveness and overall abilities on the field.

Draft Projection

Despite the injury concerns, Smith was projected to be a first-round talent due to his skill set and potential. However, teams had to weigh the risk associated with his recovery against his on-field abilities.

Conclusion

Jaylon Smith was a highly regarded prospect with the potential to become a star in the NFL, but his injury history led to a complicated draft evaluation process. Teams interested in him needed to consider both his talent and the implications of his recovery timeline.