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Dallas Cowboys 2018 draft target: Roquan Smith

By Matt Holleran

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 02: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts to winning the game MVP trophy after beating the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 02: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts to winning the game MVP trophy after beating the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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With linebacker depth being a big hole to address this offseason, could the Dallas Cowboys look at linebacker Roquan Smith in the draft this April?

Linebacker is for sure a position on the top of the Dallas Cowboys needs this offseason.

With Anthony Hitchens becoming a free agent, and the health concerns that come with Sean Lee and Jaylon Smith, it is obvious the Cowboys need to address the linebacker position.

One player the Cowboys could obtain in the draft that could really help strengthen this position is Roquan Smith, linebacker from the University of Georgia.

Smith measure in at 6’1, 225 pounds, and is just 20 years old. In his junior year at Georgia in 2017, Smith recorded 137 total tackles, 85 solo tackles,14 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks.

Smith was named 2017 S.E.C. Defensive Player of the Year, and also won the Dick Butkus Award, given to the most outstanding linebacker in college football. Smith also led the S.E.C. in solo  and total tackles in 2017.  

One of Smiths biggest strengths in his game is his tackling. In two season starting for Georgia, he posted a total of 232 tackles, in 28 games.

Another strength for Smith is his instincts. Smith has a knack for making plays, much like Sean Lee, and uses his excellent speed to always be around the football. Pairing Smith with Lee on the field would be a dangerous duo for opposing teams to deal with. The 20-year old linebacker also has great hit strength, and would add an aggressive attitude to the Dallas defense.

One thing Smith may have to work on is his size. He is a bit undersized for the average NFL linebacker at 225 pounds, and this may affect his ability to get off blocks, and defend runs straight up the middle.

If the Cowboys want to strengthen their defense, there may be no better player in this draft than Roquan Smith to do so. Adding Smith would really help soften the loss of possibly losing Anthony Hitchens to free agency, and Smith would be ready to come in and immediately make an impact on defense for the Cowboys.

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It may cost the Dallas Cowboys if they have to move up to get Roquan Smith, but in my opinion, it would be a risk worth taking as he has future All-Pro linebacker written all over him.

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