If you ask any Dallas Cowboys fan what the primary need is for the team heading into the 2024 season, the answer will likely be a resounding one.

Linebacker.

A to Z Sports' own Destin Adams is releasing his pre-combine positional rankings, and he just came out with; you guessed it linebacker rankings.

With the position being such a crucial need for the Cowboys, it is best that fans get acquainted with the class, so let's dive in. 

1. North Carolina State, LB Payton Wilson

First on his rankings is Wilson, who would be widely regarded as the consensus linebacker one in this class if it weren't for one thing: injuries.

It is important to note, that this is viewed as a relatively weak class, and there are no first-round grades from Adams.

Should Wilson make it to the Cowboys in the second round, it will pose a perplexing question for the Cowboys staff.

Will they or won't they take him?

The Cowboys are famous for swinging for the fences in the second round. Notably with Jaylon Smith, Kelvin Joseph, Sam Williams, and Randy Gregory. All of those players had off-the-field concerns, whether it was medical or character-related. Only one of them is still on the team. 

2. LB Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M

Another player that could be in play for the Cowboys in the second round is Texas A&M linebacker, Edgerrin Cooper. A to Z Sports' own Rob Gregson comped Coopers' floor to current Cowboys linebacker, DeMarvion Overshown. 

Gregson had this to say about Cooper, who I've described as a no-brainer pick if he's there in the second round:

Cooper is a rangy backer who can mirror pass catchers and play through the ball carrier with excellent fundamentals. Teams will worry about his size and physicality, particularly on early downs as he develops. With usage in sub packages early and the potential to be a three down player that fits the bill as a modern stacked backer with fluid movement skills and new age skillset

Adams' Top 5 linebackers are rounded out by:

3. Junior Colson, Michigan
4. Jeremiah Trotter, Clemson
5. Cedric Gray, North Carolina

Cowboys shouldn't sleep on Marist Liufau

My favorite linebacker in the class is Notre Dame linebacker, Marist Liufau, who ranks 10th in Adams' full rankings. I first watched Liufau a few months ago and his movement ability was unique. When I talked with one person who works in an NFL scouting department, his pro comparison for Liufau was former Colts linebacker Shaq Leonard, who earned three First-Team All-Pro seasons in his first four years in the league. 

Liufau is not a finished product, which is why he is viewed anywhere from rounds three to five, but he is a great pick in that range if you trust your guys to develop. And one I would take a chance on if I was the Cowboys. He could be quite the hidden gem.

Cowboys’ latest decision signals a change in philosophy

This has the potential to change everything.