The Dallas Cowboys took a bit of a gamble when they drafted Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith at the top of the 2nd round. Smith suffered a horrifying knee injury during his final collegiate game and would have likely been a top 10 selection if he were injury free. ESPN’s Ed Werder is reporting that Smith’s damage nerves in his knee have not improved to this point which all but rules out a return in 2016.
I'm told #Cowboys No. 2 pick @thejaylonsmith has experienced no significant improvement in injured nerve so far. Playing 2016 seems unlikely
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) June 29, 2016
Werder, who has inside access to the Cowboys facilities, has contradicting reports from numerous sources around the league.
One NFC GM on @thejaylonsmith at draft: "50/50 he ever plays." AFC HC: "Will play again. Not this year. Probably not exact same level."
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) June 29, 2016
If Dallas ever does get the player we once saw at Notre Dame the Cowboys are going to get a heck of a player. If he were to ever return to form completely it is possible he was the best player in the entire 2016 NFL Draft class.
