Jacksonville Jaguars 2016 NFL Draft: 5 3rd round options
By Luke Sims
4) Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
I’ve long speculated about where Jaylon Smith will end up and it looks like he’s in for a slide past the second round at a minimum. If the relatively healthy Myles Jack slid completely out of the first, there’s no question that Smith’s descent will continue. Both players are roughly equal in ability but Smith has long been considered a later pick because of possible nerve damage follow his knee injury.
Because everyone knew about Smith’s concerns before the draft began, it isn’t shocking to think that he could be available at the top of the third round. That area is about where his injured value starts to meet up with risk. Smith should become a key consideration for teams once the third round starts and, depending on how far he falls, he will be a consideration through the rest of the draft.
The Smith pick makes far more sense if the Jaguars miss out on Myles Jack in round two (assuming he doesn’t slide further than that). Smith brings versatility, speed, and consistency to the linebacker position in much the same way that Jack does. He’ll be able to step in as soon as he clears medicals and do almost everything that the Jacksonville Jaguars coaching staff could throw at him.
I’m pulling for Smith to be a higher selection than anticipated and his selection here would likely be a moderate surprise. Again, nobody doubts his ability, just his injury. He’ll come back eventually, though, and the Jags will benefit greatly as a result.
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