Cowboys: Defender's return to provide key upgrade for defense
The Cowboys are held together at the linebacker position by Micah Parsons due to his ability to roam sideline to sideline against the run and play the pass, and sacking the quarterback at a high rate doesn't hurt either. However, he's the only Cowboys linebacker that did anything noteworthy last season so someone else stepping […]
The Cowboys are held together at the linebacker position by Micah Parsons due to his ability to roam sideline to sideline against the run and play the pass, and sacking the quarterback at a high rate doesn't hurt either. However, he's the only Cowboys linebacker that did anything noteworthy last season so someone else stepping up in 2022 is crucial.
Damone Clark was taken in the fifth round out of LSU and is one of the biggest bright spots for the future at linebacker in Dallas, but he'll likely miss the entire season after spinal fusion surgery in March. His college teammate, Jabril Cox, who is coming back from a torn ACL, finds himself in a position to add some firepower and a different element to the linebacker room for the Cowboys this season.
In 2021, the Cowboys finished as the No. 1 defense in stopping third-down conversion attempts. For this to happen, being good against the pass is essential, which is where Cox excelled at the collegiate level.
During his one season at LSU, Cox didn’t allow a single touchdown nor was he penalized in 352 coverage snaps in which he defended 41 targets. In 1,114 coverage snaps during his college career (also played at North Dakota State), Cox only allowed two touchdowns and snagged eight interceptions.
Cox has the speed (ran a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash) and the athleticism to keep up with backs out of the backfield, speedy receivers coming across the middle, and tight ends. Speaking of tight ends, Cox will be asked to erase them much as Jayron Kearse did for the Cowboys in 2021 in his hybrid linebacker/safety role.
If Cox can return to full health and continue being an excellent coverage linebacker it will work wonders for the Cowboys' defense. Cox will make it difficult for the opposing team's ability to make plays underneath and down the seams in the passing game, but more importantly, Parsons will have more of a green light to rush the passer.
Cowboys' executive vice president Stephen Jones said back in March that Cox was coming along great and should bring some zest to the linebacker room. If so, the linebacker spot for the Cowboys can start being a strong suit instead of a question mark.
Feature image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
