Jaylon Smith was once believed to be a potential generational talent at linebacker coming out of Notre Dame. Unfortunately, a devastating knee injury in his final game against Ohio State threatened to rob him of his playing career altogether. Despite the concerns, the Cowboys surprised many on day two of the 2016 NFL Draft when they selected Smith at the top of the second round, fully aware he wouldn’t play for at least a calendar year.
Fears over nerve damage and “drop foot” lingered around Smith for some time, even after he eventually returned to the field in 2017.