Cowboys: LB DeMarvion Overshown named best draft pick
The Dallas Cowboys have invested heavily in the linebacker position over the last three NFL drafts. Micah Parsons is a two-time first-team All-Pro that has turned into arguably the best defensive player in the NFL. Jabril Cox was taken three rounds after him in 2021. He hasn't made an impact yet, but the potential is […]
The Dallas Cowboys have invested heavily in the linebacker position over the last three NFL drafts.
Micah Parsons is a two-time first-team All-Pro that has turned into arguably the best defensive player in the NFL. Jabril Cox was taken three rounds after him in 2021. He hasn't made an impact yet, but the potential is there.
The Cowboys took a risk on drafting Damone Clark last year seeing as he was coming off of a spinal fusion procedure. However, he showed nothing but promise once he hit the field.
Dallas used the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft to address the linebacker position again. DeMarvion Overshown out of Texas was the pick, and according to ESPN, it was the best selection by the Cowboys.
Todd McShay on the Overshown pick:
Finding more options at inside linebacker has a trickle-down impact for the Cowboys. Dallas took Micah Parsons in Round 1 in 2021 as an inside 'backer, but injuries pushed him into an edge-rushing role in which he now has 26.5 sacks over two seasons. Having reliable options stacked up the middle means Dallas is free to move Parsons around and let him get after the passer off the edge, and the team is better for it. Leighton Vander Esch had a solid season (90 tackles), but adding depth here is smart.
Overshown has tremendous range. That's what jumps out first when watching his tape. He flies around the field, has enough quickness to spy quarterbacks and can cover tight ends and running backs. Overshown has 50 games of experience under his belt and is coming off an 89-tackle, four-sack campaign. He's a bit of an inconsistent finisher, and improving his strength could unlock his potential as a pass-rusher, but I think he could develop into a starter.
Overshown is a converted safety. He has very good instincts and can roam from sideline to sideline. He has to get better at setting the edge against the run, but Overshown is a heat-seeking missile when attacking the gaps on running plays.
The ability to get after the quarterback makes Overshown an intriguing prospect. Not only does he have prowess getting it done coming off the edge, but Overshown is excellent at blitzing up the middle.
Overshown's history at safety allows him to be an effective coverage linebacker whether it's receivers or tight ends coming over the middle or running out of the backfield. His versatility at Texas was insane with 1,605 snaps in the box, 205 on the defensive line, 317 in the slot, 52 at free safety, and 11 as an outside cornerback.
With a skill set as diverse as this, Cowboys' defensive coordinator Dan Quinn can take his philosophy of showing multiple looks and running a lot of stunts to find a role for Overshown.
