Telvin Smith is a playmaker but needs to be more consistent

By Daniel Lago | Sep 1, 2016

Oct 25, 2015; London, United Kingdom; Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Telvin Smith (50) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against the Buffalo Bills at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports /

Telvin Smith has exceeded expectations since being drafted in the 5th round, but he still has some room to grow.

The Jacksonville Jaguars haven’t had a ton of success drafting star players over the last decade, but there are a few candidates coming up in 2016 to breakout. One of those guys is former Florida State standout Telvin Smith.

Since being drafted in the 5th round of the 2014 draft, Smith has entrenched himself as the starting weakside linebacker and quickly become one of the most intriguing players on the roster. His flashes insinuate he could become a top player at his position, but it’s not clear if he’ll eventually put it all together.

A recent report by ESPN blogger Mike DiRocco insinuated Telvin isn’t in the best state with the coaching staff thanks to some mental lapses.

"Sources inside the organization say the defensive coaching staff is not pleased with Smith because he gets himself out of position and that results in big plays. The two long pass plays the New York Jets hit in the preseason opener, for example, came because Smith chased a route he wasn’t supposed to and left the middle of the field open."

More from Jacksonville Jaguars News

Telvin clearly needs to develop more consistency play in and play out, but he’s one of the most athletic players on the team and can be a legitimate playmaker on the defense more often with better players around him.

Smith clearly has a lot to offer as a speedy linebacker, and Matt Bowen over at ESPN pegged him as a “game plan wrecker” in one of his recent pieces.

"LB Telvin SmithThe Jags have some young studs to roll with this season, and they also picked up DT Malik Jackson during free agency. But the speed and athleticism of Smith jumps off the tape. At 6-foot-3, 223 pounds, Smith moves like a strong safety and he’s pretty productive (128 tackles, 2.5 sacks, six pass breakups in 2015). Gus Bradley has a creative option here with Smith. And flexibility in the game plan."

Smith appears to be a boom-or-bust player right now – he’ll provide some spectacular plays in both coverage and run support, but then he’ll turn around and get lost in zone and allow some big plays. He’s still a young player and will hopefully improve, but he needs to cut down on the busts.

The answer isn’t to replace Telvin with Myles Jack, it’s to pair the two together in the middle of the defense and let the two athletes fly.

Home/Jacksonville Jaguars News