Jaylon Smith: Breaking Down His Much Anticipated Return

Strengths

I could sit here and talk about Jaylon Smith’s strengths as a player all day, but instead I wanted to take a look at the ways his versatility can be used by defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli on defense.

While playing at Notre Dame, Smith was utilized in a number of different ways. I think Marinelli is really looking for to having such a versatile linebacker at his disposal next season.

Let’s take a look at the first clip. It shows one example of how Marinelli can take advantage of Smith’s versatility.

I chose this particular play because it really shows how versatile of a player Jaylon Smith can be for the Cowboys on defense.

Now, I don’t expect him to line up with his hand on the ground as a pass rusher very much, if at all for the Cowboys, but he can be used in different blitz packages to exploit certain offensive weaknesses.

Rod Marinelli could get creative and use Smith as a pass rusher in obvious passing situations. His speed and athleticism to put pressure on the opposing QBs can possibly be a difference maker in certain situations.

We all know the Cowboys need help with their pass rush, so Smith could come in and help in that area at times.

Let’s take a look at the next clip, which shows how he can help the Cowboys defense as a middle linebacker.

Here’s another example of one of Jaylon Smith’s best attributes as a linebacker.

In this clip, you see Smith lining up as a middle linebacker and drop into zone coverage. This is an area of his game that will be a huge benefit in the passing game for the Cowboys defense. He is a tremendous coverage linebacker.

First, Smith drops the proper depth needed to get underneath coverage on the wide receiver. Then, he keeps his eyes on Tyrone Swoopes and upon seeing him tuck the ball to scramble, makes the correct decision to come downhill and make an impressive open field tackle.

This is no easy thing to do considering Swoopes is 6’5″, 250 and can be dangerous with the ball in his hands in the open field.

With Jaylon Smith and Sean Lee, the Cowboys defense will have two really good coverage linebackers.

In the next and final clip, I wanted to show you how Smith can impact the play without even making the tackle.

Here you see Smith lining up in man-to-man coverage on the slot receiver.

At the snap of the ball, the Longhorns attempted to throw a wide receiver screen, but Smith diagnosed and reacted to the play instantly, thus creating indecision by the WR.

The wide receivers indecision on what to do after seeing Smith bearing down on him to make the tackle causes him to retreat field and end up getting tackled for approximately a 10 yard loss.

I just thought this was a great example of how Jaylon Smith can impact the play without actually being in on the play himself. He is just that good of a player.

Overall, the Dallas Cowboys and in particularly Rod Marinelli, have to be excited to get Jaylon Smith on the field. He could possibly help take this defense reach a different level.

I know I for one am somewhat patiently waiting to see him back on the field in pads. I really believe he is going to be a difference maker on defense for the Dallas Cowboys for years to come.

Are you looking forward to seeing Jaylon Smith on the field for the Cowboys?

Let me here what you think about Jaylon Smith’s return and the possible impact he has on the Dallas Cowboys in the comment section below.