Nick Harris: FO considering LBers AL-Shaair and Brooks

Verdict said:
When you really consider options with Overshown he is a bit of an interesting case study. I could see Overshown being a unique chess piece as a situational pass rusher, big nickel safety, etc.

But if Overshown is used improperly (traditionally) in a 3/4 defense he seems to be too undersized to really be an every down linebacker, depending on what ask him to do. If he is taking on guards on a frequent basis I doubt he lasts the season.
Click to expand...

I agree. But I think after 2 back to back bad knee surgeries it's already to the point of questioning his ability to endure a full season regardless of position assigned. And wondering as to whether he can ever return to the player he was pre surgery is now the norm.

He'll need about 3 straight no surgery seasons now for me to have good confidence in long term durability.
Combined with that would be the hope that his biggest attribute, his onfield playing speed/burst return to how it once was over time.
 
75boyz said:
I agree. But I think after 2 back to back bad knee surgeries it's already to the point of questioning his ability to endure a full season regardless of position assigned. And wondering as to whether he can ever return to the player he was pre surgery is now the norm.

He'll need about 3 straight no surgery seasons now for me to have good confidence in long term durability.
Combined with that would be the hope that his biggest attribute, his onfield playing speed/burst return to how it once was over time.
Click to expand...
Your concerns are valid and reasonable.
 
805BoysInBlue said:
And needs a new deal...
Click to expand...
Good point. I think he’d want to get more than Devin Lloyd got 3 years 45 million. I don’t know much about the player other than he’s 28, was all pro 1st team last year and a former 1st rounder but If they gave up the 3rd it’s basically a trade of osa and his 4 year 80 million for a green dot ILB and whatever deal that surpasses Lloyd I think I’m good with that. Trading a non-fit for a better fit at less salary and a contract restructure to free up some cap this year is a win in my book.
 
Patrick Queen sure is a weird name in that bunch. lol. We already had a clone of Patrick Queen last season his name with Kenneth Murray...I'll pass on him lol.
 
via Google Gemini

Over the last three seasons (2023–2025), these three linebackers have seen significant shifts in their production and league-wide standing. While Jordyn Brooks has surged into the elite tier, Patrick Queen has seen his efficiency metrics dip after moving systems, and Azeez Al-Shaair has solidified himself as a premium run-stopping specialist.

Three-Year Performance Comparison​

Player2023 Stats & Grade2024 Stats & Grade2025 Stats & Grade
Patrick Queen133 TKL, 3.5 SK, 1 INT
PFF: 73.0		129 TKL, 1.0 SK, 7 PD
PFF: 58.4		120 TKL, 1.0 SK, 4 PD
PFF: 44.0
Jordyn Brooks111 TKL, 4.5 SK, 1 INT
PFF: 59.1		143 TKL, 3.0 SK, 6 PD
PFF: 71.3		183 TKL, 3.5 SK, 3 PD
PFF: 77.8
Azeez Al-Shaair163 TKL, 2.0 SK, 4 PD
PFF: 64.7		70 TKL, 2.0 SK, 4 PD
PFF: 74.0*		103 TKL, 0.0 SK, 9 PD
PFF: 70.9

Key Takeaways​

1. The Rise of Jordyn Brooks​

Brooks has had the most impressive trajectory since leaving Seattle for Miami in 2024. His 2025 season was a career-defining performance, leading the league in total tackles (183) and earning First-Team All-Pro honors. He has transformed from a high-volume tackler into a true three-down threat with the 10th-highest PFF grade among linebackers in 2025.

2. Patrick Queen’s "Post-Roquan" Decline​

The "Steelers version" of Patrick Queen has struggled to replicate the efficiency he showed in Baltimore alongside Roquan Smith. While he remains a "warrior" who rarely misses snaps, his PFF grades have plummeted from a career-high 73.0 in 2023 to a 44.0 in 2025. His 2025 season was marred by poor coverage metrics, ranking 78th out of 88 qualifying linebackers.

3. Azeez Al-Shaair: The Scheme Fit​

Al-Shaair remains one of the league's most aggressive "thumpers" in the run game. His move to Houston in 2024 allowed him to showcase an elite run-defense grade (82.7), though his 2025 was a bit more balanced. He provides high-floor stability but lacks the elite pass-rushing upside of Brooks or the top-end speed that Queen once utilized in space.

Defensive Fit Analysis​

  • Best for Blitzing/Pressure: Jordyn Brooks (11.0 sacks over the last three years).
  • Best for Run-Stopping: Azeez Al-Shaair (Consistently high run-defense grades and high stop-rate percentage).
  • Best for Durability/Volume: Patrick Queen (Hasn't missed a game in three seasons).

Based on Parker’s schematic requirements and the players' 2025 performance, here is how they rank as fits for the new-look Cowboys:

1. The Ideal Fit: Jordyn Brooks​

Jordyn Brooks is the "home run" fit for this specific system.

  • The Physical Profile: Parker has explicitly stated he wants "linebackers built to survive" traffic, targeting a weight range of 230–240+ lbs. Brooks, at 245 lbs, is a throwback thumper who fits the "hard to move" identity Parker is building.
  • Run-Stopping Dominance: Parker’s #1 priority is stopping the run to "earn the right" to rush the passer. Brooks coming off a 92.0 PFF run-defense grade in 2025 makes him the premier choice.
  • The "Multiple" Factor: Brooks led the league in tackles (183) and has proven he can blitz effectively (11 sacks over 3 years), which is crucial for Parker’s "five-down" and "six-down" exotic fronts.

2. The Reliable "Thumper": Azeez Al-Shaair​

If the Cowboys cannot trade for Brooks, Azeez Al-Shaair is a very close second.

  • Aggressive Playstyle: Al-Shaair is known for his downhill, violent playstyle. He excels at "gaping"—attacking a single gap and blowing up pullers—which aligns with Parker’s philosophy of winning one-on-one blocks at the point of attack.
  • System Versatility: He has experience in hybrid systems (SF/HOU) that mirror the "multiple" looks Parker is bringing from his time with Vic Fangio. While slightly smaller than Brooks, his processing speed satisfies Parker’s demand for "no grey area" decision-making.

3. The Risky Fit: Patrick Queen​

Currently, Patrick Queen is the weakest fit for what Parker is trying to establish in 2026.

  • Performance vs. Scheme: Queen’s PFF grade plummeted to a 44.0 in 2025. Parker’s system demands extreme discipline and "pattern matching" in coverage. Queen’s recent struggles with eye discipline and coverage lapses would likely create the "grey area" that Parker has stated he "hates."
  • Finesse vs. Power: Queen relies more on sideline-to-sideline speed. While he's durable, Parker is prioritizing "power over pursuit" in his first year to fix a Cowboys run defense that has been "bullied" in recent Decembers.

Final Verdict​

Jordyn Brooks is the best fit. He matches the size floor Parker requires, provides the elite run-stuffing the Cowboys currently lack, and has the All-Pro pedigree to lead the transition to a 3-4.

Reports from the 2026 Combine suggest the Cowboys are already exploring a trade for Brooks with the Dolphins, who are in "rebuild mode."
 
jblaze2004 said:
via Google Gemini

Over the last three seasons (2023–2025), these three linebackers have seen significant shifts in their production and league-wide standing. While Jordyn Brooks has surged into the elite tier, Patrick Queen has seen his efficiency metrics dip after moving systems, and Azeez Al-Shaair has solidified himself as a premium run-stopping specialist.

Three-Year Performance Comparison​

Player2023 Stats & Grade2024 Stats & Grade2025 Stats & Grade
Patrick Queen133 TKL, 3.5 SK, 1 INT
PFF: 73.0		129 TKL, 1.0 SK, 7 PD
PFF: 58.4		120 TKL, 1.0 SK, 4 PD
PFF: 44.0
Jordyn Brooks111 TKL, 4.5 SK, 1 INT
PFF: 59.1		143 TKL, 3.0 SK, 6 PD
PFF: 71.3		183 TKL, 3.5 SK, 3 PD
PFF: 77.8
Azeez Al-Shaair163 TKL, 2.0 SK, 4 PD
PFF: 64.7		70 TKL, 2.0 SK, 4 PD
PFF: 74.0*		103 TKL, 0.0 SK, 9 PD
PFF: 70.9

Key Takeaways​

1. The Rise of Jordyn Brooks​

Brooks has had the most impressive trajectory since leaving Seattle for Miami in 2024. His 2025 season was a career-defining performance, leading the league in total tackles (183) and earning First-Team All-Pro honors. He has transformed from a high-volume tackler into a true three-down threat with the 10th-highest PFF grade among linebackers in 2025.

2. Patrick Queen’s "Post-Roquan" Decline​

The "Steelers version" of Patrick Queen has struggled to replicate the efficiency he showed in Baltimore alongside Roquan Smith. While he remains a "warrior" who rarely misses snaps, his PFF grades have plummeted from a career-high 73.0 in 2023 to a 44.0 in 2025. His 2025 season was marred by poor coverage metrics, ranking 78th out of 88 qualifying linebackers.

3. Azeez Al-Shaair: The Scheme Fit​

Al-Shaair remains one of the league's most aggressive "thumpers" in the run game. His move to Houston in 2024 allowed him to showcase an elite run-defense grade (82.7), though his 2025 was a bit more balanced. He provides high-floor stability but lacks the elite pass-rushing upside of Brooks or the top-end speed that Queen once utilized in space.

Defensive Fit Analysis​

  • Best for Blitzing/Pressure: Jordyn Brooks (11.0 sacks over the last three years).
  • Best for Run-Stopping: Azeez Al-Shaair (Consistently high run-defense grades and high stop-rate percentage).
  • Best for Durability/Volume: Patrick Queen (Hasn't missed a game in three seasons).

Based on Parker’s schematic requirements and the players' 2025 performance, here is how they rank as fits for the new-look Cowboys:

1. The Ideal Fit: Jordyn Brooks​

Jordyn Brooks is the "home run" fit for this specific system.

  • The Physical Profile: Parker has explicitly stated he wants "linebackers built to survive" traffic, targeting a weight range of 230–240+ lbs. Brooks, at 245 lbs, is a throwback thumper who fits the "hard to move" identity Parker is building.
  • Run-Stopping Dominance: Parker’s #1 priority is stopping the run to "earn the right" to rush the passer. Brooks coming off a 92.0 PFF run-defense grade in 2025 makes him the premier choice.
  • The "Multiple" Factor: Brooks led the league in tackles (183) and has proven he can blitz effectively (11 sacks over 3 years), which is crucial for Parker’s "five-down" and "six-down" exotic fronts.

2. The Reliable "Thumper": Azeez Al-Shaair​

If the Cowboys cannot trade for Brooks, Azeez Al-Shaair is a very close second.

  • Aggressive Playstyle: Al-Shaair is known for his downhill, violent playstyle. He excels at "gaping"—attacking a single gap and blowing up pullers—which aligns with Parker’s philosophy of winning one-on-one blocks at the point of attack.
  • System Versatility: He has experience in hybrid systems (SF/HOU) that mirror the "multiple" looks Parker is bringing from his time with Vic Fangio. While slightly smaller than Brooks, his processing speed satisfies Parker’s demand for "no grey area" decision-making.

3. The Risky Fit: Patrick Queen​

Currently, Patrick Queen is the weakest fit for what Parker is trying to establish in 2026.

  • Performance vs. Scheme: Queen’s PFF grade plummeted to a 44.0 in 2025. Parker’s system demands extreme discipline and "pattern matching" in coverage. Queen’s recent struggles with eye discipline and coverage lapses would likely create the "grey area" that Parker has stated he "hates."
  • Finesse vs. Power: Queen relies more on sideline-to-sideline speed. While he's durable, Parker is prioritizing "power over pursuit" in his first year to fix a Cowboys run defense that has been "bullied" in recent Decembers.

Final Verdict​

Jordyn Brooks is the best fit. He matches the size floor Parker requires, provides the elite run-stuffing the Cowboys currently lack, and has the All-Pro pedigree to lead the transition to a 3-4.

Reports from the 2026 Combine suggest the Cowboys are already exploring a trade for Brooks with the Dolphins, who are in "rebuild mode."
Click to expand...
Good Post!!
 
Verdict said:
When you really consider options with Overshown he is a bit of an interesting case study. I could see Overshown being a unique chess piece as a situational pass rusher, big nickel safety, etc.

But if Overshown is used improperly (traditionally) in a 3/4 defense he seems to be too undersized to really be an every down linebacker, depending on what ask him to do. If he is taking on guards on a frequent basis I doubt he lasts the season.
Click to expand...
It doesn't look like we're running a traditional 3-4, though. I think he'll end up more like the weakside linebacker in a 4-3 as far as responsibilities go when he's at his ILB spot. Most likely one of the OLBs will essentially be the third linebacker with the three DL and the other OLB will be our four-man line. We'll be tying up blockers with the big DL by having them power/shoot through gaps and force offenses to double them. ... So in that sense, I don't think we necessarily need big linebackers. We need quick ones and technically sound ones to get to where they are supposed to be before the OL can peel off their blocks and get to the second level.
 
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