FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys selected Leighton Vander Esch with the 19th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and he has not disappointed. He has played in all three regular season games thus far for Dallas and made a difference in the game against the Seahawks on Sunday, giving the offense more opportunities on the field. Vander Esch amassed nine total tackles and two assists.
Leighton is added depth and an insurance policy with Sean Lee’s continuous battle with injury. Lee, a prominent player and leader in the Cowboys’ defense with his instincts and ability to be around the football, is expected to miss the next few games with a hamstring injury. He has been dealing with hamstring tightness and missed some of practice this week doing individual work on the side. Lee is no stranger to injury and knows his body well. After a tackle against Seattle, he was grimacing on the sidelines and took off his helmet. With his work ethic, that is when you know it is serious.
With the addition of Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith in full health looking more comfortable on the field this season, the Cowboys are better equipped than they were in the past without their veteran LB. Lee has never played a full 16 game season due to a plague of injuries, but Vander Esch will carry some of the load in his absence for the defense. No. 55 has made a smooth transition to the Cowboys from Boise State.
