Through two weeks of OTAs, Smith has been functioning as the Cowboys’ primary middle linebacker. He runs with the first-team, while first-round draft pick
Leighton Vander Eschhas primarily worked with the second-team.
“In a perfect world, you’ve got three guys to play two spots, for your nickel and base stuff,” said defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli. “And then you’ve got your SAM ‘backer – because that’s different. So you’re always looking.”
Marinelli makes a great point about the Cowboys’ linebacker depth. Injuries to
Sean Lee, as well as Smith’s gradual recovery process, hindered the linebacker corps in 2017. Having three capable options to play the two primary positions makes sense.
But with Vander Esch being selected No. 19 overall, there’s been some speculation that Smith may kick out to the strong side position – a spot that has typically been manned by
Damien Wilson.
Asked about that prospect, Marinelli didn’t rule it out, but said he wants to create competition at the starting spots for the time being.
“That’s maybe down the road as we go. Right now, we don’t want to move guys around,” he said. “We want to let guys compete for the starting jobs and do that. We want to keep the competition high, and we’ll see as we go.” -David Helman