Let's assume Jaylon Smith comes back 100%. what exactly are we getting?

[dogunwo]

If Jaylon Smith is even a distant relative of Lavar Ball, then he will easily be DPOY

On a side note, Lavar means "to wash" in Spanish, so his name is "To Wash Ball"

 

[Proof]

every body keeps playing the what if game with this guy until he gets on the field and does something its a just total speculation

 

[Verdict]

Sean Lee on steroids. I think if he is 100 percent he will be our best defender. That's a bit of an if, but that's the hypothetical so I met with it.

Having responded to the hypothetical, I will add the following. It is distressing g he isn't at 100 percent by now. He is over one year removed from surgery.

I am encouraged by his recoverybut I do not want to see him coming back before he is 100 percent and injuring himself again and pissing off his career.

I could see him being ready to go by the start of the season. That would be over a year and a half after his injury.

If he is not ready to go at the start of the season I personally wouldn't rush him. If he is worth waiting a year on, as a generational talent, then I wouldn't risk injuring him this year. Perception is irrelevant. If this guy is the real deal than let's protect our investment.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

You mean like Hitchens?

Hitchens is like a much less exciting version of Al Singleton.

 

[bayeslife]

Really no way to tell. He hasnt taken an NFL snap. I don't expect him to play next season so I'm not getting my hopes up

Good news then because he'll be playing at OTAs

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

If Jaylon Smith is even a distant relative of Lavar Ball, then he will easily be DPOY

Lavar Ball would humiliate Lawrence Taylor in his prime.

 

[CF74]

Patrick Willis with more speed...

 

[TheFinisher]

Sean Lee on steroids. I think if he is 100 percent he will be our best defender. That's a bit of an if, but that's the hypothetical so I met with it.

Having responded to the hypothetical, I will add the following. It is distressing g he isn't at 100 percent by now. He is over one year removed from surgery.

I am encouraged by his recoverybut I do not want to see him coming back before he is 100 percent and injuring himself again and pissing off his career.

I could see him being ready to go by the start of the season. That would be over a year and a half after his injury.

If he is not ready to go at the start of the season I personally wouldn't rush him. If he is worth waiting a year on, as a generational talent, then I wouldn't risk injuring him this year. Perception is irrelevant. If this guy is the real deal than let's protect our investment.

Thank you for being on everything of the few who answered the question.

Obviously no one has any idea if his progress is normal or not because it's such a rare injury and the evidence of previous cases is not strong enough to compare with any accuracy. A year removed and still rehabbing may be right on schedule or a cause for concern, the point is no one knows.

I will say this, he has made tremendous strides in a year and even being able to run and cut and jump like he is has to be a good sign. The kid could walk at this point last year.

I'm not an MD but I am getting a PhD in tropical medicine with a concentration in molecular methods so I'm able to navigate the literature and have somebody understanding of what's going on with the recovery. I'd say as long as no unforseen complications have arisen since last year with Dr Cooper ok'ing the prognosis, that Jaylon should eventually regain 100% functionality of the nerve and junction site. Again, the issue is no one really has a feel on what that normal timetable looks like, but training camp is definitely a reasonable expectation

 

[unionjack8]

grade wise I don't jnow who graded higher at mlb in the last ten years.......

 

[JBell]

I would be thrilled if he could duplicate what Deion Jones did as a 2nd round rookie linebacker last year with ATL.

 

[TheHerd]

Jeez, we get it everyone. It's still a long shot that he comes back. It's the offseason so we're trying to have some fun and speculate.

The OP says let's assume he's 100%. So I'll play. I see a Keuchley type. Speed, coverage, solid tackling. Sean Lee with a little more. I don't see an elite pass rusher for those looking for that.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Lets not,his nerves are not firing

No one has challenged this yet?

Because that is incorrect.

 

[Vintage]

We'd be getting a LBer.

That is what we would be getting.

 

[cml750]

I just hope we did not waste a 2nd rounder at this point. If he can perform at least at the level of a typical 2nd rounder at least we get something. I do not want to speculate what he could be if 100% because I do not want to be disappointed.

 

[DFWJC]

I think I saw Lawrence Taylor--possibly the best defensive player of all time--mentioned in this thread.
But have been hallucinating.

 

[NeonNinja]

A lesser Bradie James?

If you're serious then ban yourself.

 

[TheFinisher]

I think I saw Lawrence Taylor--possibly the best defensive player of all time--mentioned in this thread.
But have been hallucinating.

In terms of pure size, speed, athleticism, and playmaking ability Jaylon is part of an elite group. He was arguably the #1 overall player in the 2016 class before injury and considered a generational talent at LB. I don't see anything wrong with comparing him to LT as prospects... they were both cream of the crop in their eras.

 

[fredp22]

LT, Ray Lewis, Derrick Brooks. I love it.
Since he's injured and hasnt played a down yet lets just speculate with the best. Butkus or bust

https://photos-3.***NOT-ALLOWED***/t/2/AAAwaKerzt2SjR3YzmwKjQ9M0NGAfkbSttjGSuWAYqOMXg/12/496218550/jpeg/32x32/1/_/1/2/NFLDickButkus.jpg/EIjCyIMEGA8gBygH/JcsExn4YTYtyV4af3LLnk_Imd10gws-lwxcXw_Nhdvg?size=800x600&size_mode=3

 

[Outlaw Heroes]

Derrick Brooks. I think he fits so perfectly what Rod wants from a Will that you move Sean Lee back to Mike.

Because of the importance of the Will position to Rod's scheme and his rare instincts and athleticism (if healthy) in his best years he becomes a DPOY candidate (think Brooks won one playing for Rod). Multiple All Pro seasons. A handful or two of Pro Bowl seasons.

That's what I think you're getting, assuming he comes back 100%.

 

[haleyrules]

WTH. This boy hasn't played a down in the NFL. Derrick Brooks...get real and sober up!!