Matchup: Florida State’s Jamies Winston (QB) Vs. Notre Dame’s Jaylon Smith (LB)
Reminds Us Of: C.J. Mosley (LB, Baltimore Ravens)
Draft Projection: 1st Round
Quotable: Question, when you watch film on Jaylon Smith, what stands out? “What doesn’t?” – David Shaw, Stanford Head Coach
This isn’t a linebacker that the defense was built around, like Manti Te’o. Smith is a piece of the defense, but can lineup at different positions.
Can’t recall a time we’ve seen a prospect with this type of versatility. He lines up at nickel CB, nickel LB, 3-4 MLB, 4-3 OLB, strong safety and the boundary corner position, and at times, he drops into these positions throughout the play.
Smith will save cap room for whichever team selects him because of this dynamic background, and he has proven to play every down in a variety of packages. In coverage, the Bishop Luers (Fort Wayne, IN) product matches up with tight ends, running backs, full backs, slot receivers, wide receivers and quarterbacks.
As far as run support goes, can diagnose the situation and has shown instincts to key on the ball carrier. When playing 3-4 MLB, gets caught up and stuck at the line of scrimmage and times, but not routinely. Smith is the prototypical defensive player for the future of the NFL.
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