Here's what Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli said about Jaylon Smith, the Cowboys' second-round pick:

Question: On what he expects from Jaylon Smith

Marinelli: "It's obviously tough with the doctors and all the rehab and those things. We know the type of person and the type of player that he is, no doubt about it. We were ready and willing to take him."

Question: On what jumped out about him on tape

Marinelli: "He just leaps off the screen. He is really good. He is really athletic in space, great hands, great tackler, great blitzer. He is just a real ball player. He fits anybody, but in our system with the way we will use him, he will be pretty special."

Question: On whether there is frustration from a coaching standpoint on taking a payer who may have to sit out for a year before playing, or does the talent of the player overweigh that.

Marinelli: "I think your second part is exactly right. You look at a guy like this, and you look a year from now, and we got one of the best players in the draft. Obviously there is patience and all those things that go with that, but he is well worth it."

Question: On who can help this defense now and whether they need to add more players

Marinelli: "No question we still have to get some guys. We like the guys we have here too. We like the way they work, the work they are putting in. When you really look at it, that running back that we got, that is like another defender. I just think it is so important; it's not just keeping us off the field and those things that have been said, but there is a certain physical element to a football team. It is not physical football. The team that we play more than anybody else is our offense. They harden you up on the defense, the challenge to stop an offense like that. Best line in football, great backs, best receiver in football. You've got to be at your best, and that hardens a defense up. Really hardens you up. So, we are really looking forward to that and now we've just got to develop some of the players we have and get some of the back."

Question: On whether he is comfortable enough with the defense to afford a redshirt year with a second round pick

Marinelli: "I don't know the answer to that. I just know he [Jaylon Smith] is a great player. This time next year, you have probably one of the bets picks in the draft."

Question: On who rushes the quarterback for the team now

Marinelli: "Until we get the other two guys [DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory], we've got Ryan Russell, who was drafted, is an athletic guy, he can move. Jack Crawford, he is back with us. We've got Ben [Benson Mayowa] who we just picked up out of Oakland. Then we've just got to keep working different groups and combinations of guys."

Question: On whether he would have preferred if Emmanuel Ogbah or Kevin Dodd had been there at pick 34

Marinelli: "I think anytime you have a chance to get a position of need, a guy that fills that spot and all those things, sure. No question it can help you. Hopefully you still get this guy, but at that point where we were at, the decision is made. This is an elite player."

Question: On whether there is any concern that the nerve does not regenerate

Marinelli: "I can't answer that. We just go by what the doctors say. Any guy you pick in the draft can be a risk, in different ways. Guys fail, whatever. I have a tendency to look on the upside that he is going to he, because the inner strength of this man is impressive. I think when you meet him you will see it. You are going to enjoy talking to him."

Question: On whether the doctors said there was a chance he could play this year

Marinelli: "I couldn't answer that. The people in our organization that talk to them would be better to answer that."

Question: On if they had an answer on whether he could play this year before they drafted Smith

Marinelli: "The guys that are drafting have better answers on that."

Question: On whether he it is more assuring to take advice from a doctor who has been inside the knee

Marinelli: "Our doctor. I think everybody feels the same; he is great at what he does. You leave it with that and just wait and see."

Question: On how much interaction he had with Jaylon Smith

Marinelli: "It was unique. I did their clinic a year ago this time. I have a good friend on the staff, Harry Hiestand the offensive line coach, and I was watching the practice. I really didn't know anybody on the team, but he introduced me to himself in two seconds. He went right by me and I was like, 'Wow, who is that?' He is a special guy to talk to. I think you are really going to enjoy talking to him."

Question: On whether Smith is a MIKE or a WILL linebacker

Marinelli: "Either. In our system, he is either. He runs."

Question: On whether the defense still needs a pass rushing prospect

Marinelli: "I think yes. We still want to get one."

Question: On his disappointment with not having Randy Gregory or DeMarcus Lawrence for the first four games

Marinelli: "Oh, I am disappointed. Very disappointing. With that being said, let's get back and do things right. We need them, we need those guys. I felt where we were at with those guys, we had two really talented ends. We have to be patient for the first month, find a way, and get some guys in there and compete."

Question: On whether maturity was an issue for Gregory last year

Marinelli: "I go back and look at his camp tape, and it was really special. He had a great camp and preseason. Then he missed five weeks, in that area, and he didn't come back as well as he started. If you remember DeMarcus the year before off the injury, he kind of gradually came back and then hit it right at the end. It didn't kick in for him yet."

Question: On whether he feels like Ezekiel Elliot will help the defense get more takeaways by forcing opposing offenses to take more chances because of fewer plays

Marinelli: "Yeah. I think when you are playing with a lead, the ball is coming out more. Two years ago, we were playing with leads and we got a lot of interceptions and takeaways and all those things. Last year at times they played a little keep away against us and we couldn't get the stopped when we had a chance to win the game. I think that is everything. Once you get a lead on offense, you take away their teams running game by points. Then I think you can pin your ears back and affect the quarterback."

Question: On if Byron Jones is a safety

Marinelli: "Yes. That is where we've got him penciled in right now."

Question: On what they like about Jones at safety

Marinelli: "His range is really good. He's got good vision back there. I'm real excited to get him in a spot. We moved him around so much last year, so hopefully we get him in a position to use his talent and his vision. He is really smart."

Question: On his previous success coming with an elite pass rusher

Marinelli: "That's part of what you do in coaching. You've got to coach guys to get them there. That's my job. I just have to keep going and keep believing in these guys and get those other two young guys back, then we'll go to work. I've just got to get my job done. DeMarcus was pretty close last year. He had eight sacks and you could see he was one the rise. He produced last year I thought very well. Then that next step is a giant one. With Randy, all I saw was camp and preseason and the very first game against the Giants. He lit that up. I see enough there and I just have to do my job."

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