Jerry Jones expects Jaylon Smith to be ‘key part’ of Dallas defense in 2017

Jerry Jones has high hopes for one of his injured rookies going forward.

Linebacker Jaylon Smith, a second round pick who sat out the season with a knee injury, is expected to return for 2017. The Cowboys owner and general manager expects him to play a significant role in the defense once he’s healthy enough to play.

“I don’t know about percentages,” Jones told 105.3 The Fan’s G-Bag Nation show, via Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News. “I would be very shocked and surprised if he’s not a key part of our defense in 2017.

“We’re very familiar with his situation, medically. He has shown inordinate, extraordinary aptitude willingness in his rehab process.”

Smith is a big talent, but injuries dropped him down the draft board. He could be a significant figure in Dallas’s defense. There were some hopes that he could play in 2016, but that was always a pipe dream.