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If Jaylon Smith plays, the Dallas Cowboys have an instant superstar

By Noah Strackbein

Aug 1, 2016; Irvine, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) at training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 1, 2016; Irvine, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) at training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Cowboys took a leap of faith for Jaylon Smith in the 2016 NFL Draft, and if he plays this season, it’ll pay off for them.

Must Read: Defensive Line needs to improve for Notre Dame

At Notre Dame, there was no one as exciting to watch on the defensive side of the ball than Jaylon Smith. The athletic linebacker redefined the position and made his mark in South Bend during his three years there.

Unfortunately, during the 2015 Music City Bowl, Smith suffered a knee injury that would forever define his career. Instead of possibly the top pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Smith fell to the second round and missed the entire 2016 season.

Now, he’s hoping to return, and if he does, the Dallas Cowboys will have the steal of the 2016 draft. As someone who’s already considered one of the best young players in the league, before even playing a game, Smith has the biggest potential of almost anyone who’s been drafted over the last two years.

Most-likely, Smith, will play as an inside linebacker in the NFL. While he continues to rehab his knee, his mobility may be shortened, making him more of a threat on the inside than the outside. Either way, he has all the strength and instinct to be a run stopper and play coverage.

The Cowboys are praying Smith is good to go this year. As a heavy Super Bowl contender in the NFC, Dallas could use that dominating defensive player to lead their defense. Along side Sean Lee, Smith will immediately be that star they desperately need.

Dallas took a chance, and if it pays off, they have the best player of the 2015 draft class. Smith is a future Hall of Famer when healthy. All he needs to do is beat this knee injury, and his career will forever be one of the best.

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Congratulations, Dallas, you found yourself someone who’s going to be a long-time favorite. Get him healthy, and he’s immediately one of the best players in the NFL.

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