12th Man Rising
FanSided

NFL First Round Mock Draft, Seahawks get defensive

By Dan Viens

Nov 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) runs with the ball as Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) runs with the ball as Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
30 of 32
Next
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Braxton Miller (1) runs the ball against Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) in the first quarter during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Braxton Miller (1) runs the ball against Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) in the first quarter during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick #29: Arizona Cardinals – Jaylon Smith, OLB, Notre Dame

When you’re the Arizona Cardinals, possessors of one of the most balanced rosters in the league, you can let the draft fall to you and simply take the best player available. Sometimes those are guys who slip a bit because they’re overlooked or are coming off an injury. Such is the case here.

Smith was on his way to being a Top 10 pick, and the best outside linebacker in this draft when healthy. But in the first quarter of the Fiesta Bowl, he suffered a serious knee injury and had surgery to repair a torn ACL and other ligaments. Due to the timing of the injury, Smith won’t be nearly ready to play by the start of the season. In fact, he might have to “redshirt” the entire 2016 season.

But he’s such a tremendous talent, the Cardinals might be in as good a position as anyone to take the long view. The potential payoff is a Pro Bowl caliber OLB. At 6’3″ 240 lbs, Smith has ideal size and elite athletic skills. He’s also a smart player, making the defensive calls for the Fighting Irish as a true Sophomore.

He might just be worth the wait.

Next: On the clock: Carolina

Home/Seattle Seahawks Draft