What Jaylon Smith brings that Myles Jack doesn't

[darthseinfeld]

Sure can, doesn't mean it is true either....

Its true, no talk back

/thread

 

[Rogerthat12]

Brugler on Jaylon Smith:


SUMMARY: A three-year starter, Smith started at outside linebacker in Notre Dame’s 3-4 scheme in 2013 before moving to weakside linebacker the past two seasons when the Irish went to a 4-3 base – also put his hand on the ground as an edge rusher at times. A special athlete for the position, Smith jumps off the screen with his sudden pursuit speed and twitchy movements, which compliments his quick-thinking play style. He recognizes things quickly and sniffs out plays with his diagnose skills, putting himself in correct position to close ground in an instant as a run defender and cover in man. Smith does have room to improve his discipline and anticipation, but he is dripping with natural talent and intangibles – type of playmaker you wind up and let loose. Smith, who Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly calls the best player he has ever coached, offers the scheme versatility that will appeal to all 32 teams. He is one of the best players in the 2016 class, but his Jan. 2016 knee surgery puts his draft projection in limbo – might still hear his name called in the top-100, but will require a redshirt year as a NFL rookie.

WEAKNESSES: Lacks elite length and power and can be engulfed by blockers near the line of scrimmage – room to improve his shed technique…will take some false steps and needs to add a dash of discipline to his playing recipe…needs to tweak his strike zone and tackling mechanics, preferring to hug-and-slam instead of spearing and driving…needs to do a better job finding the ball in coverage once his back is turned to the quarterback…not a detailed pass rusher right now and needs to better anticipate blockers…suffered a devastating left knee injury in his final collegiate contest that required surgery (Jan. 2016) to repair a torn ACL and LCL – missed the entire pre-draft process due to rehab with strong concerns about possible nerve damage and long-term lingering issues.

STRENGTHS: Greased up athlete with rare twitch for the position…explosive lateral agility and secondary quickness to unhook himself from blocks and burst to the ball…plays loose, low and balanced to collect himself in space and easily change directions…tremendous closing speed in pursuit with the acceleration to stay stride-for-stride in coverage…assignment sound and senses what is about to happen, arriving to the spot with proper timing – not easily fooled…fast eyes to see plays develop, rarely losing sight of the ball…anchors well at the point of attack, leveraging at the hole to attack run lanes…navigates well through a crowd due to his vision, instincts and reactive athleticism…shows burst as a pass rusher and blitzer, staying in control of his movements…active and rangy tackler with strong hands and wrists to make stops…experienced making calls and orchestrating the defense…mature, unselfish leader and team captain – very well-respected by everyone around the program…production matches his tape with a high competitive spirit…didn’t miss a game at Notre Dame, starting 39 consecutive contests.

BACKGROUND: A five-star linebacker recruit out of high school, Smith was ranked as one of the top prep players in the country and received scholarship offers from every top program in the country, choosing Notre Dame over Ohio State, Michigan State and USC – also a star basketball and track and field athlete in high school. He became the first freshman linebacker to start a season opener since 1995 and started all 13 games in 2013, recording 67 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and his first interception to earn Freshman All-American honors. Smith started all 13 games in 2014 as a sophomore and led the team with 112 tackles, adding 9.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, earning Notre Dame Defensive Player of the Year honors. He again hit the triple digit tackle mark in 2015 as a junior (13 starts) with 114 stops, 9.0 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack, earning the Butkus Award as the Nation’s top linebacker. Smith decided to skip his senior season and enter the 2016 NFL Draft.

 

[Nightman]

The guy is a beast and is so quick off the block. Those who are upset about the pick because he may not play till 2017 don't see the big picture. We basically took our 2nd round pick and turned it into top 5 pick in the 1st round of 2017 + 1 year under his belt studying. In my opinion that is worth the risk.

And he gets to learn, rehab and train here in DAL. That is better than a 2017 1st and there is always a chance he can play at the end of this year. Imagine adding a talent like that to our Defense for the playoffs in 2014.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

He reminds me of Ryan Shazier when he came out.

 

[Nightman]

I read that JSmith will get 900k from an insurance policy since he slipped into the 2nd round.

MJack also had a policy but he had to slip to 45 to collect.

Both will sign for around 6m for 4 years, 4m guaranteed.

 

[Kaiser]

And he gets to learn, rehab and train here in DAL. That is better than a 2017 1st and there is always a chance he can play at the end of this year. Imagine adding a talent like that to our Defense for the playoffs in 2014.

Exactly. Some people fear the worst but Smith came out as a a 20 year old Junior and he very likely would have been the first position player drafted if healthy. If the scenario was Dallas trading Friday's pick at 34 for a first round pick next year, with that pick turning into Smith coming out next year fans would be building statues of the Dallas Front Office.

 

[Bleu Star]

Sure can, doesn't mean it is true either....

I know you are but what am I.

 

[SportsGuru80]

Yeah he thumps you! He gets after the QB

 

[Kaiser]

Another note on Jaylon Smith, I bought the hard copy of Dane Brugler's Top 60 prospects and then the electronic copy of his full report. The paper copy printed earlier had Jaylon Smith as the 12th overall prospect, even with the injury. The electronic copy issued later had him listed as a 3rd round pick, but that is likely because of the press that he might never play again - which the Cowboys have the best insight into and believe is completely false.

 

[JBell]

I've seen some comparisons thrown around..... but one guy who Jaylon really reminds me of is Jamie Collins.

Excellent in coverage, can be played at a number of positions..... Makes sense why Belly was targeting him in Round 2.

 

[cowboyuptx]

Personally I've been on the Jack wagon & was excited he was still available. I think he's an absolute stud, but Smith isn't a letdown - well except that I wasn't even thinking about him.

I expect Smith to be a regular highlight reel type of player once he gets back. Besides the other 2 LBs are on 1 year deals.

I was right there with you on Jack, and had all but forgotten that Jaylon Smith had ever existed. I'm no draft expert so I was just buying into all the hype that Myles Jack was a top-5 talent in the draft.... Smith on the other hand got virtually no pre-draft hype, so I was shocked and a little disappointed at first when the pick was announced... But then I was quickly reminded that Smith was every bit the player that Myles Jack was in college, and then some... I still like both players, but I now think that the Cowboys made the right choice picking Smith over Jack... I still would have preferred either of the DE's that went just ahead of Smith in round 2, but only because I hate having to wait maybe 15+ months before I can see him play for Dallas... Jack will be ready to play much sooner than that, but his major downside is that his long-term prognosis for staying healthy is even worse than Jaylon Smith's...

I just really hope I see the day where both Sean Lee and Jaylon Smith are playing at a high level on the same defense... That could be one of the greatest LB tandems ever seen! Gosh I hope Sean Lee has another great year in 2016, I freaking love that guy!

 

[AdamJT13]

Mayock called him a "tackling machine". If he can get healthy, he'll be our Mike for the next 10 years.

If he's healthy, he's too good of a pass-rusher to put him at Mike.

 

[RandyOh]

I've seen some comparisons thrown around..... but one guy who Jaylon really reminds me of is Jamie Collins.

Excellent in coverage, can be played at a number of positions..... Makes sense why Belly was targeting him in Round 2.

The player i always see him compared to is Derrick Johnson which made me jump on his bandwagon 6 months ago.

 

[RandyOh]

Defense has the potential to be scary in a few years when some young guys come into their own: Gregory, Lawrence, Collins, Smith, Jones. Hopefully our post-Romo era can start off with a well-balanced team.

Don't forget Tapper. If Marinelli can untap his potential, we may have a long term solution at right defensive end.

 

[windjc]

Don't forget Tapper. If Marinelli can untap his potential, we may have a long term solution at right defensive end.

Pun intended?

 

[RandyOh]

Pun intended?

Idk. You be the judge of that..

 

[ThreeandOut]

Both players are probably natural WLE's. Since Sean Lee occupies that position in Dallas. the opportunity is really at MLB. Smith seems the better candidate to fill that role.

 

[chicago JK]

I think both are studs. A few weeks prior to the draft, I was actually leaning towards taking Jack at 4 if we couldn't get a QB. I never really factored in Smith as I thought he injury was much more significant. I actually didn't consider Smith at 34 either.

I hope they do not rush Smith back. Obviously getting nothing from your second round pick next year is frustrating, but I think it is best to take the long range view with him. I would give a slight chance he plays next year.

 

[Galian Beast]

Both players are probably natural WLE's. Since Sean Lee occupies that position in Dallas. the opportunity is really at MLB. Smith seems the better candidate to fill that role.

Lee can play any position. They can move him to Mike if necessary.

 

[Galian Beast]

If someone offered you a top 5 draft pick next year for your 2nd this year, you would take it. The only question is what happens medically and the Cowboys know better than any one else at this point.