Sean Lee

Cowboys rookie Jaylon Smith says he could have played at 'elite level' in postseason

Published Jan. 5, 2017 1:28 p.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

The Dallas Cowboys used their second-round pick in the 2016 draft on a linebacker who wasn’t guaranteed to ever play a snap in the NFL. Jaylon Smith suffered a severe knee injury in the Fiesta Bowl last year, putting his career in question and knocking him from sure top-10 status.

He has been sidelined all season, as predicted, but things are looking up for the rookie. On Thursday, he said the nerve in his leg, which was damaged by the knee injury, is regenerating and that he believes he could have played in the postseason at an “elite level.”

https://twitter.com/fishsports/status/817065120568410113

https://twitter.com/DMN_George/status/817064833430519808

Additionally, Smith said the brace is no longer a factor and that he ran a 4.5-second 40-yard dash the other day.

https://twitter.com/toddarcher/status/817066923930374144

He expects to be on the field in May for OTAs, which is a great sign for his chances of playing the full season in 2017 – which was always the hope.

https://twitter.com/DMN_George/status/817065614107930625

Looking ahead to next season, the Cowboys could potentially have a fantastic linebacker duo with Sean Lee and Smith in the middle of the defense.

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Sean Lee

Dallas Cowboys

National Football League