The Sunday Spotlight: Jaylon Smith

As the 2016 NFL draft draws nearer, we at TheFreeLancers will break down the top NFL prospects around the country. Be sure to check back every Sunday to see which future star will be under our Spotlight. This week the Spotlight shines on...

Jaylon Smith, OLB, Notre Dame, 6-3, 235, 4.67, Junior

Pros:

Tackling- As a whole, Jaylon Smith is the best pure tackling prospect scheduled to enter the NFL Draft in 2016. His acceleration and nose for the football makes him a premier run stopper in a game that values tackling less and less. When watching film on #9, the first thing you notice is the instinctiveness to clog holes from any linebacker position.

Versatility- Smith's versatility at the Linebacker position may be his best quality to date. Smith recorded 67 tackles playing outside backer during his freshman season. In 2014, Smith was moved to inside backer where he recorded a team high 112 tackles. Smith followed this productivity up with a 114-tackle season in 2015, 9 of those for a loss. For the first time in NFL history, we witnessed Khalil Mack of the Oakland Raiders be named to two different positions on the NFL All-Pro team. This league loves versatility, which Smith has plenty of.

Cons:

Size- Looking at Smith's collegiate career, he was best suited to play middle linebacker or inside in a 

4-3 defense. At just under 235lbs, it will be hard to imagine him playing on the inside at the next level. If a team chooses to implement Smith at that position, be sure to see him on a weight program to gain some stature.

Injury- In Notre Dame's final game of the 2015 season, Jaylon Smith sustained what was called a serious knee injury. It turned out that Smith tore both the ACL and LCL in his left knee. It has been reported that Smith is scheduled to make a full-recovery but how this injury will hamper his draft stock is yet to be determined.

Pro Comparison: Lavonte David

Lavonte David has been a tackling machine his entire career. He has been a top 3 tackler in each of the last three seasons, and top 10 in each of his last 5 seasons. He flies all around the field on every play. Jaylon Smith has the opportunity to bring the same consistent tackling David brings to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.