The gambling affect at linebacker prior to this season

[CCBoy]

The Cowboys rolled the dice on a couple of LSU Tiger linebackers who fell in the draft in back-to-back years. Jabril Cox and Damone Clark were thought to be guys with upside who could help, but things haven’t worked out. Cox only logged 46 defensive snaps and lasted two seasons with the team. Clark has been much more serviceable, seeing action in all three of his years in the league. He even started all 17 games in 2023 and led the team with 109 tackles. Clark is in the final year of his rookie deal, but his role on the team continues to fade as he played primarily on special teams last year.

The team tried to get creative with physical safety Markquese Bell and converted him to linebacker in 2023. He played admirably at the position and wasn’t terrible, but he and his LB partner, Clark, didn’t have the skills to make plays consistently, leaving the team with subpar linebacker play.

Clark and Bell were forced to do all the heavy lifting in 2023 because rookie DeMarvion Overshown missed the season after tearing his ACL in a preseason game. Overshown was back last year and looked fantastic until tragedy struck again, this time tearing all the cruciate ligaments (ACL, MCL, and PCL) in his knee late in the season. His 2025 season is up in the air, but word on the street is that he is progressing well, and they are hoping a midseason return is in the cards for their young star linebacker.

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...vion-overshown-injury-timeline-kenneth-murray

 

[CCBoy]

And things look even more promising for the future if Overshown can get healthy and stay on the field.

The team has taken measures and drafted a new linebacker in each of the last three drafts. Each time, it’s been someone they’ve loved because in 2023 and 2024, they missed out on taking a running back because the talent of Overshown and Liufau was too good to pass up. Wise move. And they traded up to get their guy James, so we know how the team feels about him. Combine that with new outside acquisitions to land young linebackers who are 26 (Murray) and 24 (Sanborn) years old, and the Cowboys suddenly have some options. All come with questions, but there should be enough to give one of the league’s best linebacker coaches something to work with. Suddenly, there is reason to be optimistic about this group again.

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...vion-overshown-injury-timeline-kenneth-murray

 

[CCBoy]

Anyone not interested in or liking the linebackers is frankly, full of crap.

Are the linebackers important on defense? Not only yes, but Hell Yes!

They connect from the front to the rear and side line to sideline. They affect opponent success in both running the ball and pass defense.

 

[Majic]

The Cowboys rolled the dice on a couple of LSU Tiger linebackers who fell in the draft in back-to-back years. Jabril Cox and Damone Clark were thought to be guys with upside who could help, but things haven’t worked out. Cox only logged 46 defensive snaps and lasted two seasons with the team. Clark has been much more serviceable, seeing action in all three of his years in the league. He even started all 17 games in 2023 and led the team with 109 tackles. Clark is in the final year of his rookie deal, but his role on the team continues to fade as he played primarily on special teams last year.

The team tried to get creative with physical safety Markquese Bell and converted him to linebacker in 2023. He played admirably at the position and wasn’t terrible, but he and his LB partner, Clark, didn’t have the skills to make plays consistently, leaving the team with subpar linebacker play.

Clark and Bell were forced to do all the heavy lifting in 2023 because rookie DeMarvion Overshown missed the season after tearing his ACL in a preseason game. Overshown was back last year and looked fantastic until tragedy struck again, this time tearing all the cruciate ligaments (ACL, MCL, and PCL) in his knee late in the season. His 2025 season is up in the air, but word on the street is that he is progressing well, and they are hoping a midseason return is in the cards for their young star linebacker.

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...vion-overshown-injury-timeline-kenneth-murray

2x undersized LB's. There is a pattern here..

 

[CCBoy]

2x undersized LB's. There is a pattern here..

Those are adaptable skill sets and size can always be added. Pattern? How do YOU add more speed?

 

[CCBoy]

I love linebackers, myself. These current coaches have a ton of linebacker coaching ability!

 

[Denim Chicken]

Anyone Kendricks reunion will be forthcoming?

 

[maryquality]

Anyone Kendricks reunion will be forthcoming?

I wouldn't mind bringing Kendricks back. I thought he did well last season.