The Dallas Cowboys grabbed Ezekiel Elliott with the fourth overall pick last night, and tonight entered day 2 of the NFL Draft with needs across the defense.
Appetizing names such as Noah Spence, Jonathan Bullard, Ronald Blair, A’Shawn Robinson, and a host of other talented defensive linemen fell through the first round and were all potential targets for Dallas at #34.
There was also a lot of speculation that the Cowboys would trade up or down from this pick.
Instead, they stayed put, and added a talented linebacker out of Notre Dame that will not see the field in 2016. The unfortunately injured Jaylon Smith became the 34th overall selection of the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys Dr did the surgery on Jaylon Smith
— Cowboys Nation (@CowboysNation) April 29, 2016
The Cowboys are pretty well set at linebacker for 2016 as long as Sean Lee and Rolando McClain stay on the field together. Those two made for a dynamic pair in 2015, with McClain returning on a one year deal for this season.
Then, in 2017, the expectation will be that Jaylon Smith – a high first round talent before his injury (suffered during his final collegiate game) – can step into a starting role. Jaylon recorded over 100 tackles in each of his past two years with the Fighting Irish.
So, let’s wish Jaylon Smith the best of luck in his recovery process, and welcome him to what’s ahead in Cowboys Nation!
We're going to get a good football player in @thejaylonsmith. Welcome to @CowboysNation! #TheStar ✭ #CowboysNation
— Sean Martin ✭ (@SeanMartinNFL) April 29, 2016
Welcome to Dallas @thejaylonsmith #CowboysDraft pic.twitter.com/HW9tyXW2CT
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) April 29, 2016
Stay posted here to Inside The Star over the coming hours and days for more analysis on Elliott, Smith, and the rest of the Dallas Cowboys 2016 draft class.
