Scouting Report: Jaylon Smith

[Sandyf]

Sort of a misleader of a heading because frankly there is no perfect player at any position, all of them have traits that are better in some areas and need work (might be able to get better but not perfect) in others. Yes, Smith does fit Dallas better than many teams although I would question the notion of not a 3-4 scheme fit since at ND he was almost always in the middle. If you are going to look at someone that wasn't considered a perfect LB, then look at Demarcus Ware. He was great but teams ran at him because that was his main bug-a-boo.

Now with Smith, I believe he will if healed take over next year for McClain in the middle. With Lee, Smith, Wilson, and the others we would have a very good LB corp to start 2017. It doesn't mean we couldn't get better just that better than most. It will be interesting to see how Nzeocha plays and how Hitchens plays this year. Like Wilbur because he is not spectacular but always steady in his performance.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

This article said the word perfect 9 times.

 

[gimmesix]

Doesn't really matter. They love to move these guys around. Long term, I think he's the Will.

Well, unless I read into it wrong, your article seems to indicate that he's not a good fit for the Mike because he isn't good at taking on blockers. That would seem to matter.

 

[CowboyRoy]

I'm not sure what the point of this article is. No one said he is the "perfect" linebacker. Obviously the team saw a fit- was enamoured with his freakish physicality and gifts as a football player that fits their scheme.

Im so tired of the "he fits our scheme" thing. We pick guys that most others have rated lower but we over value them because "they fit our scheme".

The ONLY thing I really see the Cowboys doing is pick great athletes that dont have great production in college that they think they can "coach up" in their scheme. Zeke not included.

But really, we have yet to see many of these guys become great.

 

[Jenky]

Sort of a misleader of a heading because frankly there is no perfect player at any position, all of them have traits that are better in some areas and need work (might be able to get better but not perfect) in others. Yes, Smith does fit Dallas better than many teams although I would question the notion of not a 3-4 scheme fit since at ND he was almost always in the middle. If you are going to look at someone that wasn't considered a perfect LB, then look at Demarcus Ware. He was great but teams ran at him because that was his main bug-a-boo.

Now with Smith, I believe he will if healed take over next year for McClain in the middle. With Lee, Smith, Wilson, and the others we would have a very good LB corp to start 2017. It doesn't mean we couldn't get better just that better than most. It will be interesting to see how Nzeocha plays and how Hitchens plays this year. Like Wilbur because he is not spectacular but always steady in his performance.

Maybe a better word for perfect would be ideal line backer? I get what he's saying. He's no Luke Kuechly who was drafted 11th. So to say, he wasn't a top 5 player is not a stretch by any means..

 

[LittleD]

Im so tired of the "he fits our scheme" thing. We pick guys that most others have rated lower but we over value them because "they fit our scheme".

The ONLY thing I really see the Cowboys doing is pick great athletes that dont have great production in college that they think they can "coach up" in their scheme. Zeke not included.

But really, we have yet to see many of these guys become great.

That's because our defensive scheme is antiquated along with our coaches. Our defense sucks because
we don't blitz and have no one who can beat an offensive lineman to get to the QB. We have to hope that
our offense can score 35 a game and keep the defense off the field.

 

[Doomsday101]

Only concern I have with Smith is getting back to 100%. if he can do that as his doctor feels he can and will then the Cowboys will have a heck of a player on this roster. This kid is a hard nosed player who does not quit.

 

[tyke1doe]

Here's my scouting report on Jaylon Smith and why he's not a perfect linebacker prospect and examine some of his flaws

http://www.footbology.com/jaylon-smith-is-not-a-perfect-linebacker-prospect/

I appreciate the time you've invested in providing an analysis on Jaylon Smith the player, so please don't take this next question as an insult.

I'm just wondering about your credentials? Are you a scout? Did you play football in college? Or are you someone who simply looks at college games or acquire game tapes and like analyzing them?

I ask because there are a lot of guys/gals (especially on this board) who offer critique of players, and I always find myself asking - particularly with the plethora of opinions given and the way social media has made posters "experts" - "What qualifies you as an expert or one I should listen to?"

It's kind of like when guys give medical opinions on Jaylon Smith's injury - opinions that sound plausible. But I'm always asking myself about them, "Are you a doctor?" "What makes your assessment better than one I can get from a doctor?"

I like to know the credentials of one giving advice.

Just asking.