Todd Archer, ESPN Staff Writer 8y

Cowboys take big chance in second round with Notre Dame LB Jaylon Smith

After taking running back Ezekiel Elliott in the first round of the NFL draft Thursday, the Dallas Cowboys almost had to go defense with their second-round selection. And that’s what they did by grabbing Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith with the 34th overall pick, but Smith will not play this season because of a knee injury.

My take: The Cowboys wanted to take a risk in the first round by aggressively looking to trade up for quarterback Paxton Lynch, but were thwarted. They were even more aggressive in the second round by taking Smith, knowing he will need a redshirt year.

Smith suffered a torn ACL and LCL in Notre Dame’s Jan. 1 bowl game, but it is nerve damage that is keeping him off the field in 2016. The Cowboys are confident the nerve will regenerate and have the knowledge of the team doctor, Dr. Daniel Cooper, who performed the surgery.

“It’s been the most challenging time of my life, but at the same time it’s the best time of my life where my dream has just come true,” Smith said. “I’ve been wanting to play in the NFL since I was 7 years old.”

But is it possible he could play in 2016?

“Absolutely,” he said. “Never doubt God.”

This is a move usually reserved for a team with something of a finished product on defense. The Cowboys are far from that, but at linebacker they have Rolando McClain set to be a free agent in 2017. It is possible Smith could be the starter in 2017 -- provided the knee is healthy.

It’s a big risk, but one the Cowboys were comfortable taking.

Another chance: Last year the Cowboys were hailed on draft night when they took defensive end Randy Gregory in the second round. His stock fell because of a failed drug test and off-field concerns. Those worries were well founded since Gregory, who did not have a sack last season, will miss the first four games this season because of a substance-abuse suspension. The team’s 2014 second-rounder, DeMarcus Lawrence, is also facing a four-game suspension after violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. Lawrence led the Cowboys with eight sacks last year. In addition, the team’s second-rounder in 2013, tight end Gavin Escobar, will not be ready at the start of the season due to a torn Achilles.

Not a magical round: The second round has not been kind to the Cowboys in recent years. Since 2006, the Cowboys have had seven second-round selections and only Sean Lee (2010) has signed a second contract with the team. Anthony Fasano (2006) was traded during his rookie contract. Martellus Bennett (2008) had his best years after leaving the Cowboys. Bruce Carter (2011) was far too inconsistent. Escobar (2013) has not had many opportunities. And then there are Lawrence and Gregory. A second-rounder has to be a core player, and the Cowboys just haven’t found enough in a round full of talent year after year.

What’s next: The Cowboys' next selection comes in the third round, at No. 67 overall. If the second round was about the defense, the board opens up from here on out. The Cowboys could still lean defensively but don’t be surprised if they look for wide receiver and possibly quarterback help with their next pick.

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