Brian Schottenheimer drops a hint about the blurry future of former Dallas Cowboys third-round pick
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau entered training camp as one of the most fascinating players to watch. What to make out of the recent comments from Brian Schottenheimer about him.
Former third-round pick Marist Liufau entered Dallas Cowboys training camp as one of the most fascinating players to watch in Oxnard, California. An inside linebacker turned outside linebacker, Liufau had a lot to prove entering the summer. And camp would be our first indicator of what the Cowboys thought of him.
Four practices into Cowboys camp, it remains a huge mystery. But head coach Brian Schottenheimer dropped some valuable hints. Combined with what we’ve learned from Cowboys practice early on, here’s what we know about Liufau’s roster chances.
Cowboys HC acknowledges Liufau’s challenge
This is Liufau’s third year in the NFL. Christian Parker is his third defensive coordinator. To make matters worse, every Cowboys DC Liufau was played for has had a different vision for him. He’s gone from playing middle linebacker to moving slightly inside (and mostly, to the bench), and is now being asked to be a do-it-all outside linebacker.
Asked about the situation, Schottenheimer was quick to praise Liufau’s versatility. Though he was very open about the challenge he’s facing.
“I love Marist’s versatility,” the Cowboys head coach told reporters. “Unfortunately for Marist, I mean, that is what it is. What spot are you playing? Well, you’re a linebacker. Well, now you’re on the ball. We know he knows how to take away the ball. We know he’s physical. We know he’s got great length.”
Using “unfortunately” in that context sounds, at first, like a bad sign for Liufau. But I view it more as mixed signals from Schottenheimer. Why? Shortly thereafter, the Cowboys coach mentioned reasons why Liufau is a 53-man roster candidate.
“I actually think that his versatility to play on and off the ball will be a huge advantage for us,” Schottenheimer added. “Again, you never have to worry about his wiring and the play style. It takes guys a couple years, and then you factor into what you said about the different coordinators, changes, and position changes.”
He also said Liufau “continues to thrive on special teams.”
In other words, Liufau is a significant Cowboys special teamer and someone who has been referred to multiple times as a matchup piece. Schottenheimer pointing out Liufau can play on and off the ball is no small thing. Which leads us to what we’ve learned from practice so far.
There’s a role waiting for Liufau
One of the biggest takeaways four practices into training camp is Parker wants a versatile linebacker who can move around. He wants that player to be on the field often. So far, it’s been third-round rookie Jaishawn Barham stealing the show at that role.
Barham has been an early camp surprise, lining up just about everywhere on defense. He is comfortable in coverage, plays the run well, he’s physical, and he can even rush the passer. On Monday, he beat Cowboys All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith for the pressure on a three-man stunt.
Reporters have pointed out Barham has gotten plenty of first-team work, including him taking the field alongside DeMarvion Overshown or Dee Winters. That is as telling as it gets. The Cowboys really like Barham.
I focus on him because it seems to be like Barham is the favorite to play the part of the do-it-all linebacker, a la Zack Baun, on Parker’s defense. But Liufau may be the only other player on the roster who can also handle such responsibilities. If the Cowboys want depth for that role, he’s their guy.
The question is if being the No. 2 at that role plus a special teams standout is enough for him to make the team. At the very least, I think he needs to prove he can be a consistent pass rusher when called upon. That is an unanswered question, but we’re only a week into camp so there’s time.
As of right now, I’d put his roster chances at 55%.
