Cowboys second-year linebacker Jaylon Smith struggled earlier this season when his playing time was increased.
He didn't look like the standout player he was at Notre Dame before his severe knee injury that caused him to miss his entire rookie season. That caused many to wonder if he'd ever get back to that level of play.
But with Sean Lee sidelined because of a hamstring injury, Smith has looked better the last couple of games in extended playing time.
The Cowboys believe he can be even better a year from now.
During a recent SiriusXM NFL Radio interview with Jim Miller and Pat Kirwan, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones called Smith one of the young players they plan to build around.