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NFL Network’s Mike Mayock has 5 Indiana Players in his Top 5 NFL Draft Positional Rankings

By Luke Schultheis

Nov 7, 2015; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Jordan Howard (8) reacts to scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Jordan Howard (8) reacts to scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) celebrates in the second quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) celebrates in the second quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

JAYLON SMITH, OLB

NOTRE DAME  IA INDEPENDENTS

SOURCES TELL US

“He reminds me so much of DJ (Derrick Johnson) when he came out. Same frame, same speed and same playmaking ability. Both of those guys are made for the pro game.” –­ Former AFC defensive coach

NFL COMPARISON

Derrick Johnson

BOTTOM LINE

In this day and age of “tweeners” being labeled “hybrid” players, Smith is the rare commodity who is truly hybrid in the sense that he has the athleticism, speed and physical makeup to play any linebacker spot in either the 3­-4 or the 4-­3. Smith was productive but slightly miscast in the middle of the Notre Dame defense and is better suited to play in space as a 4­-3 outside linebacker. However, his length and upfield burst could draw the attention of a 3-­4 team looking to transition him into a rush linebacker while utilizing his rare cover skills.

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