In The 2016 NFL Draft, The New Orleans Saints Select…
By Kolby Smith
Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
Nov 14, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) celebrates in the second quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Class: Junior
Height: 6’2
Weight: 237 lbs.
Pros:
Speed
Tackling
Can Play Middle and Outside
Coverage Ability
Cons:
Lightweight
Struggles Sometimes to Get Off Blocks
The Saints are still in the process of rebuilding their LB corps, and Smith, the top LB prospect in this Draft, is the easy choice here.
Smith is a very solid all around player. He can fly for being a linebacker and keep up with most tight ends and running backs.
He’s a very sound tackler who wraps up but also will come down and “lay the boom” when it’s fitting.
With Anthony in the middle and Kikaha on the outside already, Smith could give the Saints one of the best young linebacker corps in the league.
The Saints have struggled at the other linebacker spot. Dannell Ellerbe has been GREAT when he is on the field, but he just can’t stay healthy. The Saints take a young stud here to solidify their linebacker corps for the future.
Career Stats:
283 tackles, 23.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, 10 PBUs, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries
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