Cowboys unit receives bold praise from NFL analyst
All offseason, the linebacker room has been considered a weakness for the Dallas Cowboys. More specifically, the depth of the group beyond Micah Parsons. The Defensive Rookie of the Year quickly became one of the finest linebackers in the NFL while changing how the game is played. He left no doubt about whether or not […]
All offseason, the linebacker room has been considered a weakness for the Dallas Cowboys. More specifically, the depth of the group beyond Micah Parsons.
The Defensive Rookie of the Year quickly became one of the finest linebackers in the NFL while changing how the game is played. He left no doubt about whether or not he was the man to change the Cowboys' defense.
And yet, there's work to be done at linebacker.
The position is shaky behind Parsons. The Cowboys are counting on unproven or inconsistent players to perform in 2022.
Surprisingly, NFL.com named the Cowboys' linebacker duo one of the best in the league. Analyst Bucky Brooks ranked the league's top duos at 11 key positions.
The only Cowboys duo to make the list was the one at linebacker.
That's right, Micah Parsons and Leighton Vander Esch were named the third-best duo at linebacker in the league.
Such praise for the Cowboys' linebackers was surprising mainly because I wouldn't even be sure that Vander Esch is guaranteed a starting role in 2022. Coming off an injury in his rookie season, it's hard to know what the expectations are for Jabril Cox, but his athleticism would suggest he's ready to play in the NFL.
Other than that, the Cowboys are significantly thin at linebacker. It looks like it will be Luke Gifford and undrafted free agents fighting for roster spots in training camp.
Vander Esch was brought back on a one-year deal worth up to $3M. The number is significantly lower than what his fifth-year option would've given him had it been picked up last year.
Vander Esch has struggled with consistency and will need to play as he did in the second half of the season in order to back up Bucky Brooks' bold claim on the Cowboys' linebackers.
A key to Vander Esch taking the next step on Dan Quinn's defense? Playing time.
Although he's flying under the radar a little bit, Vander Esch might be one of the most important players to the Cowboys' success in 2022.
Featured image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
