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The 2018 NFL draft is no longer fresh on everyone’s minds, but with one year in the record books there’s plenty of fodder for opinion making. The Dallas Cowboys have more than a little to be optimistic about with their first selection, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch.
The weakside linebacker out of Boise State was drafted No. 19 and was the third LB taken. He went on to appear in all 16 games plus two more in the playoffs. He was nominated to the Pro Bowl for his efforts and was named second-team All-Pro. In addition to those accolades, Pro Football Focus also has the star linebacker as one of the top 25 players under 25 coming into 2019.
Others named to the team include QB Patrick Mahomes, RB Alvin Kamara, and DE Myles Garrett. Vander Esch is young enough that he can make a repeat appearance heading into the 2020 season.
When starter Sean Lee went down with his inevitable injury, the rookie burst onto the scene and by the end of the year made Lee an afterthought.
You can follow Ryan Welch on Twitter @Rywelch.
Gallery
Cowboys 2019 Depth Chart, position by position
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The weakside linebacker out of Boise State was drafted No. 19 and was the third LB taken. He went on to appear in all 16 games plus two more in the playoffs. He was nominated to the Pro Bowl for his efforts and was named second-team All-Pro. In addition to those accolades, Pro Football Focus also has the star linebacker as one of the top 25 players under 25 coming into 2019.
AGE AT KICKOFF: 23 YEARS, 6 MONTHS, 29 DAYS
Vander Esch ended his rookie season as one of only four linebackers who earned grades north of 80.0 in run defense and coverage, while his overall grade of 84.9 was good for fourth among all players at the position. The former Boise State Bronco’s 54 total stops were the fifth-most among linebackers, and his five forced incompletions in coverage are good for fourth-most among rookies. It may only be one year, but the Cowboys seem to have secured the next great star at the linebacker position.
Others named to the team include QB Patrick Mahomes, RB Alvin Kamara, and DE Myles Garrett. Vander Esch is young enough that he can make a repeat appearance heading into the 2020 season.
When starter Sean Lee went down with his inevitable injury, the rookie burst onto the scene and by the end of the year made Lee an afterthought.
You can follow Ryan Welch on Twitter @Rywelch.
Gallery
Cowboys 2019 Depth Chart, position by position
Continue reading...