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2016 NFL Mock Draft: Week 3 edition

By Dani Bostick

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Navy Midshipmen fullback Noah Copeland (34) is tackled by Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Isaac Rochell (90) and linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. Notre Dame won 49-39. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Navy Midshipmen fullback Noah Copeland (34) is tackled by Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Isaac Rochell (90) and linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. Notre Dame won 49-39. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

31. . OLB. Notre Dame. Jaylon Smith. 7. player

Since clutch-ness isn’t something the Giants can draft, a linebacker is something the team could definitely use. Jon Beason and several other members of the unit have been plagued with injury. Even when the Giants personnel at linebacker is healthy, they still struggle to perform consistently and effectively.

Notre Dame outside linebacker Jaylon Smith could give the Giants the boost the need at that position. Leading his team in tackles and tied for the lead in sacks, Smith is a disruptive, reliable playmaker called the “heart and soul” of the Fighting Irish.

ProFootballFocus ranks him as the top CFB linebacker and is a huge factor in Notre Dame’s success so far this year. Even better, Smith is reliable, having started all 13 games both his freshman and sophomore years.

Smith’s 2014 Notre Dame Highlights are impressive.

While Notre Dame is often criticized for having a weak schedule, Smith has proven himself against formidable offenses and demonstrates solid technique, speed, and power.

He’s drawn comparisons to both Alec Ogletree and Patrick Willis. NFL media analyst Daniel Jeremiah gushed about the 2016 draft prospect saying, “I don’t know if there is a better talent in the country. The player he reminds me of is Patrick Willis just in terms of sheer explosiveness. I don’t know what he’ll run (in the 40), but it’s really impressive when you watch him in a game against Florida State with Dalvin Cook and all the athletes they have and (Smith) looks like the fastest guy on the field.”

Next: No. 8 Houston Texans

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