NFL Mock Draft: Dallas Cowboys draft Tony Romo’s heir

Jaylon Smith. 11. player. 57. <p>The Chicago Bears finished the 2015 season much better than most expected at 6-10. After losing their first three games, many expected us to be talking about them taking a quarterback within the top three this year. Instead, the Bears are looking to build on defense and appear to be riding it out with Jay Cutler on offense.</p> <p>Along with Ramsey and Hargreaves, Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith is considered one of the safest picks in this years draft. Rated as one of the best outside linebackers in this draft, Smith is versatile enough to drop back into coverage, rush the passer, or defend the run.</p> <p>Unfortunately, Smith suffered a serious knee injury in last weekends bowl game when offensive lineman Taylor Decker have him an unnecessary shove in the back away from the play. While Smith’s full condition is not fully known, expect him to miss some time recovering from the injury.</p> <p>As we saw this year with Todd Gurley though, knee injuries can be overcome more likely than before. The word around the NFL draft circles is that Smith is still considered a first round pick and should not see a major slide on draft day. While Bears fans may be hesitant to take another injured player in the first round, a healthy Jaylon Smith can do wonders for a Bears defense missing the Ditka – and even the Lovie – days.</p> <p><strong>Previous Pick:</strong> Jaylon Smith, LB</p>. Linebacker. Notre Dame