Cowboys 2016 NFL Draft: Todd McShay Predicts Dallas takes…

Oct 17, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) reacts after making a tackle against the Southern California Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeats Southern California 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

What would the Cowboys be getting in Smith? In thirty seven games for the Fighting Irish he’s made 167 tackles, had 4.5 sacks and forced 3 fumbles. Maybe not frighting on paper, but he led his conference in solo, assisted and total tackles for 2015. He’s an all action linebacker and not dissimilar to Sean Lee in his ability to cover every blade of grass on the field.

"“He has reached double digits in tackles five times in the last six games of the regular season.” – Jaylon Smith game stats"

Smith is considered the best linebacker prospect entering the draft. He’s pristine athlete with a fine blend of speed, power, burst and flex. It’s the intelligence he has on the field that will make him so highly sort after though. It’s not possible to teach the instincts he has. His awareness on the field and of what’s going on around him almost looks as though he’s a step ahead at all times.

Questions have been raised over the Cowboys team unity and spirit this season and signing a player like Greg Hardy signaled a step away from Jason Garrett‘s ‘right kind of guy approach’. Drafting Smith would be back in Garrett territory though with the linebacker seemingly an all round good guy, and a team mate whom ND are clearly proud of.

Smith isn’t a one season wonder either. Back in July NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah compared Smith to the then San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis.

"“I don’t know if there’s a better talent in the country. The player he reminds me of is Patrick Willis just in terms of sheer explosiveness…it’s really impressive when you watch him in a game against Florida State with Dalvin Cook and all the athletes they have and (Smith) looks like the fastest guy on the field.”"

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Jaylon Smith will be considered by any team drafting within the top five. He’s without question NFL caliber talent. If the Cowboys do draft him, he could potentially be another Smith to go down in Dallas history.