Jaylon Smith once served as a cautionary tale. Now, he's the NFL's version of a phoenix rising from the ashes ready to reclaim his elite status. The linebacker is well on his way to becoming the Dallas Cowboys' defensive leader and a leaguewide superstar.
Three years ago, the Cowboys took a chance on Smith after he tore the ACL and LCL in his left knee during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl. Smith still declared early for the draft even though he had to rebuild his body and deal with nerve damage.
All the while, Smith never doubted himself.