How much better can Jaylon Smith get?

[lk8701]

On a recent podcast Dr. David Chao indicated that Jaylon still isn't 100% healthy Notre Dame level but he did indicate that next season Jaylon can return to that level and become a generational player. Dr. Chao said that Jaylon's first 2 steps isn't as explosive as it use to be. He also said his change of direction isn't as fast/fluid as it use to be.

IMO Jaylon is playing at Pro Bowl level despite these limitations. Can he become the GOAT LB if he returns to 100% next season and stays healthy?

 

[Jipper]

On a recent podcast Dr. David Chao indicated that Jaylon still isn't 100% healthy Notre Dame level but he did indicate that next season Jaylon can return to that level and become a generational player. Dr. Chao said that Jaylon's first 2 steps isn't as explosive as it use to be. He also said his change of direction isn't as fast/fluid as it use to be.

IMO Jaylon is playing at Pro Bowl level despite these limitations. Can he become the GOAT LB if he returns to 100% next season and stays healthy?

Way way too early....lets get through a season and make the pro bowl and all pro first...then do it multiple more times, then some more....then when he's in his early 30s we can talk about that

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

I still think he's a bit shakey on plays coming right at him in the open field. That may be in an issue with confidence in the past injury that will resolve itself.

 

[gmoney112]

This is his 2nd year playing, first one actually "healthy".

He can get a lot better.

 

[Outlaw Heroes]

Dr. Chao needs to stop offering his opinion. He was the guy that suggested Jaylon might never recover and might need the AFO permanently. Without ever having examined him.

 

[cowboyec]

sky's the limit.
Jaylon is for real.
54

 

[RJ_MacReady]

Dr. Chao needs to stop offering his opinion. He was the guy that suggested Jaylon might never recover and might need the AFO permanently. Without ever having examined him.

YES! I was going to make this exact same post.

 

[Bleu Star]

This is his 2nd year playing, first one actually "healthy".

He can get a lot better.

Period.

On schedule....

As planned....

 

[Vinnie2u]

So he’ll be 100% in time for another team to overpay for his services.

 

[nightrain]

He is doing great, but let's not kid ourselves, he has work to do to be considered elite. Very happy for him. Love the kids mental toughness. Pretty durable, too.

 

[Batman1980]

Smith still has limitations, I'd say he's still not 100% recovered physically and mentally.

 

[ConstantReboot]

On a recent podcast Dr. David Chao indicated that Jaylon still isn't 100% healthy Notre Dame level but he did indicate that next season Jaylon can return to that level and become a generational player. Dr. Chao said that Jaylon's first 2 steps isn't as explosive as it use to be. He also said his change of direction isn't as fast/fluid as it use to be.

IMO Jaylon is playing at Pro Bowl level despite these limitations. Can he become the GOAT LB if he returns to 100% next season and stays healthy?

Wait didn't Dr. Chao once say that Jaylon Smith will never recover from this injury? Now he's singing a different tune.

 

[Tangle_Foot]

I see it as his second year jump that most rookies make. Doesn't mean the growth stops there he will still get better in years 3 and 4, hopefully that will be the beginning of that sweet spot where he's Unstoppable for 5 years.

 

[RJ_MacReady]

So he’ll be 100% in time for another team to overpay for his services.

His rookie year didn't "accrue a season" due to NFI, so just look at it as this is his "2nd year" with the team just like Chido, Taco, Lewis, etc. In short, he's not going anywhere for awhile.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

I see it as his second year jump that most rookies make. Doesn't mean the growth stops there he will still get better in years 3 and 4, hopefully that will be the beginning of that sweet spot where he's Unstoppable for 5 years.

Growth peaks at about 1 mm per month.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

Wait didn't Dr. Chao once say that Jaylon Smith will never recover from this injury? Now he's singing a different tune.

No, that was just a drunken guy’s take at a Mr. Chow’s.

 

[nightrain]

Know what they call a dude who graduates at the bottom of his class in medical school?

 

[JJHLH1]

What does Dr. Dan Cooper think? He’s the one who performed Jaylon’s surgery and correctly predicted he would make a complete recovery.

 

[wrongway]

Know what they call a dude who graduates at the bottom of his class in medical school?

Still doctor unfortunately.

 

[Aviano90]

Hopefully good enough to help the team win some playoff games.