Prior to a devastating knee injury suffered in January of 2016, Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith was a projected top five selection in the NFL Draft. Some even considered Smith a possible candidate for the number one overall pick.
The Dallas Cowboys owned the fourth overall selection in last year’s draft after posting a season-ending record of 4-12 the year before. If healthy, Smith might have been a consideration for the Cowboys at that top spot. Dallas picked Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott instead, and Smith proceeded to tumble out of the first round.