Jerry Jones: Jaylon Smith will be key part of 2017 Cowboys

They may have to wait a year, but the Dallas Cowboys are feeling good about their investment in second-round linebacker Jaylon Smith paying off.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Friday that he expects Smith, who had his draft stock fall due to a knee injury, to be a big part of his defense next season.

"I don't know about percentages," Jones said during an appearance on 105.3 The Fan's "G-Bag Nation," according to 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."

Smith started the season on the NFI list, as he suffered his knee injury while still in college. He was placed on injured reserve earlier this week, and although he was never expected to play in 2016, the Cowboys have been encouraged with his recovery process.

"We're very familiar with his situation, medically," Jones said. "He has shown inordinate, extraordinary aptitude willingness in his rehab process."

The Notre Dame product was a force in college and has the ability to play both inside and outside linebacker when healthy.