Dallas Cowboys: Will Jaylon Smith start at middle linebacker in 2018?

After completing what was essentially his rookie season for the Dallas Cowboys, is linebacker Jaylon Smith destined to be a starter in 2018?

Jaylon Smith wasn’t supposed to be this good this fast. After suffering a devastating knee injury in his final college game, Smith’s football future was in jeopardy. Two years later and we pose the unlikely question: Is Jaylon Smith ready to become the full-time starter in Dallas?

After being touted as a possible top five selection prior to his injury, Smith fell to the Cowboys in the second round, 34th overall, in the now legendary 2016 NFL Draft. Dallas took a big risk on Jaylon, hoping after a year of rehabilitation, the nerve damage in the young linebacker’s knee would regenerate enough for him to take the field again.

Luckily for Dallas, it did. Although forced to wear a custom brace for drop foot, Smith powered through to make his debut last preseason. As with any player out of football for more than a year, Smith looked a bit rusty. But the potential was there. Here was a 6-foot-2, 245 pound linebacker willing himself on one leg to compete on the highest level. It was impressive.

Smith opened more eyes when he was tasked with being the opening day starter at middle linebacker due to a knee injury suffered by veteran Anthony Hitchens. Jaylon actually started the first five games of the 2017 regular season, racking up 41 total tackles. For all intents and purposes, Smith was a rookie. And he played like one. Unsure where he needed to be at times, and a half second late to the play.

But coming off the bench, the 22-year old seemed to get more comfortable. As the season wore on, Smith’s played improved. He would eventually end his rookie season recording 81 total tackles, two pass defends, two forced fumbles and an interception. More importantly, Smith did not appear to suffer any physical setbacks post his first NFL season.

According to Britt Brown, Smith’s rehab trainer, Cowboy fans can expect to see a completely different Jaylon Smith in 2018. One commensurate with the player he was at Notre Dame prior to suffering his career-threatening knee injury. If that’s true, does it mean Smith is a lock to be the Cowboys full-time starter at middle linebacker this upcoming season? According to one Cowboys’ insider, the answer is yes.

"“Word from those that would know say that 2018 should be even better on the field for Smith,” wrote football analyst Bryan Broaddus on the team’s official website. “Improvement in mobility should allow him to once again work closer to becoming the player he once was at Notre Dame. Jaylon Smith should be the starter at middle linebacker this upcoming season, which is a far cry from what I ever believed he’d become.”"

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Likely only in their wildest dreams did the Dallas Cowboys believe that Jaylon Smith would become their starter at middle linebacker just two years removed from his devastating knee injury. But that appears to be the case. The Cowboys took a giant risk drafting Smith so high in the 2016 NFL Draft. Now, it appears that gamble has paid off big time.