Analyzing the Cowboys linebacker unit before the 2023 season

[CCBoy]

https://thelandryhat.com/posts/analyzing-cowboys-linebacker-unit-before-2023-season-01h9f31d1ptb/4


Losing DeMarvion Overshown ... he'll be having a red-shirt year.

I believe the outcry about the linebacker depth is slightly overblown. Dallas rarely field three linebackers at the same time. Ultimatley, the Cowboys have multiple options in-house. If they feel as though they need another body, we'll identify one intriguing outside option they can explore.

Leighton Vander Esch​

A well-known face, Leighton Vander Esch will lead the Dallas Cowboys linebackers. When healthy, Vander Esch has shown he is a heck of a football player. With Vander Esch included, this group of linebackers is youthful and has many athletic and versatile players. The speed stands out for me. We are looking at a young group that can cover, defend the run, and blitz.

Damone Clark​

Clark didn't participate in the first seven games last year due to spinal fusion surgery that he underwent in the offseason. The rookie played as a starter in 5 of the last 8 regular season games for Dallas. This year, Clark and Vander Esch are starting together. Anthony Barr's ability to change direction and playing speed was restricted. Clark is not bound by physical limitations. It was entirely a mental thing. We expect Damone Clark will achieve greater things in his second year thanks to a full offseason and preseason.
The speed is visible. I'm in a whirlwind of excitement because of his ability to shift direction and open his hips in pursuit.

Devin Harper​

The Cowboys chose Devin Harper with the No. 193 overall pick in the 6th round of the 2022 NFL Draft, after a trade with the Cleveland Browns. They put him on an injured reserve on October 29, 2022. To me, Harper's overall game seems to have taken a noticeable leap. Despite his injury last year, Harper proved to be better than Jabril Cox, who was waived during roster cuts. It appears that he's just getting started, too.

Markquese Bell​

Markquese Bell, who has recently transitioned from safety, is expected to be part of the linebacker depth this season. With his impressive athleticism and versatility, Bell has proven himself to be a valuable player with plenty of potential. He can cover, hit, and blitz with the best of them. The game doesn't seem to be too difficult for him. In the preseason, the Cowboys provided him and other young defensive players with more opportunities. I thought he held up well. He needs to do better in his run fits.

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Malik Jefferson​

The Cowboys have brought back Malik Jefferson, a former Texas linebacker, to the practice squad. There's a chance to be on the active roster on a game day this season. Jefferson performed well on both defense and special teams during the preseason.

Brandon Smith​

If Dallas is pondering about adding a linebacker, they should consider Brandon Smith, a former standout at Penn State.

 

[CCBoy]

Playing Parsons at LB?


Nick Eatman: I've definitely changed my tune on this one over the last few months. I was initially in the camp of playing Parsons more at LB and letting him rush occasionally. I think we've seen his dominance now as an edge-rusher and that's where he seems to make the most impact. Now, I'm down for occasional packages that will put him in other spots on the field. I know LVE has been rushing some off the edge and we might see times where he trades with Parsons and they flip spots to confuse the quarterback somewhat. That could be impactful to run a few times a game. But by in large, Parsons needs to be rushing the passer - from some point on the field - more often than not. If it's on the edge or right over the center, doesn't matter as long as he's getting to the quarterback. I know the flip side is the depth at LB vs. the depth of edge rushers. But still, I think you have to take your best player and let him do what he does best.

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/mailbag-would-parsons-be-more-effective-at-lb

 

[CCBoy]

We know what Micah Parsons and the pass rushers represent. The backend, including Trevon Diggs and Stephon Gilmore, could be a no-fly zone. That leaves us with the linebackers led by Leighton Vander Esch. The injuries surrounding this unit make you worry, and rightfully so. However, I'm here to argue that Vander Esch could make a leap and not for the reasons one would suspect.

LEIGHTON VANDER ESCH FINALLY HAS SOME SIZE IN FRONT OF HIM​

Mark D. TalknBoysWitDaBoyZ
@MarkDsCorner

#cowboyszone -In 2022 Leighton Vander Esch had his best season since 2018 (All Pro) grading as PFF's No. 23 ranked inside linebacker. •In comparison -In 2022 Bobby Wagner graded out as the No. 1 player at his position (Inside Linebacker) by Pro Football Focus.



However, Wagner had something that Leighton finally has, which is guys with size and grit in front of him.

MEN LIE, WOMEN LIE BUT NUMBERS DON'T​

Over the past 3 seasons -

His overall defensive rating was 60.2, 63.5, and 70.8. His tackling rating went from 56.5 to 79.7 in 2022. The coverage results – yes, that went up from – 42.2 to 75.6. Lastly and most importantly was the improvement in the missed tackles. That percentage decreased from 13.2% to 6.5%.


https://insidethestar.com/leighton-vander-esch-may-prove-to-be-most-important-piece-to-dallas-d/