Jaylon Smith is perhaps the most talented linebacker in this year's draft class, and if not for the injury he suffered during the Fiesta Bowl in January, he would be in the talks of being a top-5 pick come April 28.
Atlanta is in need of a playmaker like Smith, but following his recent medical recheck last week in Indianapolis, the Butkus Award winner is reportedly expected to miss the 2016 season due to his his knee injury.
The news regarding the severity of Smith's knee injury broke in February at the NFL Scouting Combine, and it's remained one of the most popular topics since.
Smith's talent is unquestionable and even ESPN analyst Mel Kiper had the Falcons selecting Smith with their No. 17 pick prior to the Combine.
So, do the Falcons take a flyer on Smith knowing he likely won't be able to play until the 2017 season?
The answer to that question can be debated heavily in favor of both sides, but the reality of the situation is that Atlanta only has five picks entering the 2016 NFL Draft, and is looking for players to pay immediate dividends.
On the other hand, it's very rare that teams get their entire rookie draft class to come in and start from the get-go, so taking Smith in hopes he'll be the best linebacker in the future could be something worth going for.
The real question here is what round is appropriate to take Smith, if the Falcons decide he's worth waiting for. With no picks in the fifth and sixth round, if he's available in the fourth round, do GM Thomas Dimitroff and Coach Dan Quinn go for it?
It will all depend on how the first and second rounds of the draft take shape for Atlanta. If Quinn and Dimitroff are able to gain another pick by moving down, and get two picks in the second round? It will all depend.
All in all, if the Falcons are able to gain more picks, don't count Jaylon Smith out.
