How's Jaylon been doing lately?

[MileyDancer]

Sean Lee has 10 years of NFL experience so theres that.

But he's only played like 3 of those years.

 

[xwalker]

Well, he only has a 4 year contract.

His first year didn't count because he was on NFI.

This is the 1st year of his 4 year contract.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

Moving better, improved recognition and not biting on misdirection as much, understanding coverage assignments better and how teams are attacking him. Starting to make more plays than he gives them up.

Hey fuzzy, is he still not wearing a brace?

 

[xwalker]

Hey fuzzy, is he still not wearing a brace?

 

[xwalker]

For any tape-watchers, etc...how has Jaylon been playing lately? Are there things he's doing well,are there concerns for the player he will become, do we still really have no idea due to the injury?

With LB such a concern this year, and with Hitch a FA and Lee a year older, I'm curious how much he's a part of the solution going forward.

I have no clue, so looking for some informed opinions. Thanks.

He is OK with limited snaps. He's still not better than Hitchens but he is drastically better than early in the season.

He might be really good next year but they need to plan as if he won't and plan for Lee to miss a lot of time. Re-sign Hitchens and draft a LB around the 2nd round.

 

[diefree666]

He is OK with limited snaps. He's still not better than Hitchens but he is drastically better than early in the season.

He might be really good next year but they need to plan as if he won't and plan for Lee to miss a lot of time. Re-sign Hitchens and draft a LB around the 2nd round.

You can NEVER have enough Good LBS; just like you can never have enough good DL.

 

[cowboys1985]

Judging Jaylon's play just depends on your perspective. If you came into this season looking for another play maker on defense and had bought into the hype of Jaylon (pre-injury) then he's been bad. If you understood what he's gone through and realize he's not even 100% while looking for signs of the play making ability but more importantly just wanted to see him on the field, then he's been good and progressing nicely.

Regardless of where you stand I believe the correct way to view Jaylon is be content with his play, hope he as a big off-season then truly start judging his play next year. Having said that, Jaylon shouldn't affect your draft or FA strategy at all. As in you shouldn't reach or overpay for a LB just because you think Jaylon is a bust, but you shouldn't pass up on a LB because you think Jaylon is the future.

Obviously I know its not possible on a message board, but time will tell and all judgement on Jaylon should be reserved.

 

[Sydla]

He's gotten better.

But the Cowboys can't build an offseason defensive plan around him being the starting MLB.

 

[CyberB0b]

His first year didn't count because he was on NFI.

This is the 1st year of his 4 year contract.

I don't believe that is correct. Everything I've seen says his contract is up in 2019. Do you have a source?

 

[Yakuza Rich]

He's playing about 1/3rd of the snaps. Really good in coverage. Understands route concepts and what the opposing offense is trying to do. Still has issues in the run game, but is closing the gap. Not as hesitant in the run game as he once was. I'm not exactly confident in him as a starter, but he's progressing very nicely and at times looks excellent.



YR

 

[Sydla]

He's excellent in the Marinelli scheme where at the snap of the ball, our LBs turn their backs to the play and run 10 yards down the field, only to then allow an easy 6-7 yard pick up over the middle to the TE or TB.

 

[diefree666]

He's excellent in the Marinelli scheme where at the snap of the ball, our LBs turn their backs to the play and run 10 yards down the field, only to then allow an easy 6-7 yard pick up over the middle to the TE or TB.

I wish I could disagree about Marinelli's scheme but honesty forbids it

 

[jazzcat22]

I will let you now when he wins the SB MVP for this season.

 

[JackOfNoTrades]

His first year didn't count because he was on NFI.

This is the 1st year of his 4 year contract.

is that a fact? I've heard this before but do not recall seeing it confirmed. If true, would be great in order to give him more time to develop and be properly evaluated.......while a Cowboy

 

[diefree666]

http://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/201...toll-restricted-ufa-rfa-erfa-rolando-mcclain/

this seems to be the best explanation. He will be a RFA after the 2019 season. NOT a FA.

 

[Vinnie2u]

Like 2017 was the year of DB in the draft. Wouldn’t be surprised if 2018 is the year of WR and LB.

 

[vlad]

You watch the games right? What does your eyes tell you on how Jaylon Smith is playing?

My feeling is watching games casually as a fan and forming any type of intelligent opinion is not very feasible for the insight I'm looking for. I want to learn more about the game at a higher level, thus why my questions are generally aimed at "tape watchers", coaches, former players, etc.. We have more than enough Spagnolas and JJTs in the world. Is he reading his cues properly? What are the cues to begin with at a detailed level, not just "linemen pulling"

But since you asked, the times I do notice him its more often for the plays he's not making than he his is, which is generally life, you notice the bad things more than the times he's doing his job. I don't see this sensational speed we're hoping he gets back. His change of direction looks bad, and he seems to miss tackles quite a bit. He seems to be able to lay the wood pretty hard, which is encouraging. What are your thoughts?

 

[vlad]

Good enough for Hitchens avoiding missing time with a bum knee afraid of being Wally Pipped.

Sorry silver - not following...Are you saying he's looking good enough that Hitchens should be nervous about losing his job?

 

[vlad]

We have to remember this kid missed his entire rookie year, training camp, preseason, everything. Like I said many times, when he started, he was playing on raw athletic ability w/o clue of reading plays or coverages and it showed. Like Fuzz said, now he's starting to understand the game better. I agree with the Cowboys trainer, look to see the Jaylon Smith we thought we were getting next year. We can the see the speed, energy and work ethic. Next year I expect this kid's level of play to be right there with Lee or better. IMO he's a keeper........

Wow, that's saying a lot to say you think he'll be >= Lee. That would be a dream scenario, considering how good I think Lee is. I don't see that instinct out of him, I wonder if he's a film nerd like Lee?

 

[silver]

Sorry silver - not following...Are you saying he's looking good enough that Hitchens should be nervous about losing his job?

Yep, ever since Lee came back Jaylon has been playing a lot better. Not better than Hitchens but good enough to start in case Hitchens misses some time. I dont think Hitchens wants to give him the opportunity though.