FRISCO, Texas — The “Wolf Hunter” is striving for a bounce back in Year 4 with the Dallas Cowboys. The organization declined to exercise Leighton Vander Esch’s fifth-year option for 2022 and this upcoming season is a pivotal “prove-it” year for the howling linebacker.
Veterans were dismissed for the summer prior to the start of training camp in California next month and Vander Esch made his intentions and mindset abundantly clear to media. When asked about the option having been waived, No. 55 did not stutter.
“I’ve always been motivated,” the former first-round pick emphatically described. “I don’t have to use that to be motivated to play better or work harder. I’ve been on a mission since the season was over because we just can’t have a season like we did last season. I’m just controlling what I can control, and the rest will take care of itself.”
New defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has taken notice of Vander Esch’s demeanor throughout offseason workouts, which bodes well for his snap count in a crowded linebacker room. In speaking with media during organized team activities, Quinn praised the former Pro Bowler’s mentality.
“I’ve been really impressed, not just from the OTA time,” Quinn remarked. “Every once in a while, you can just see a person that’s on a mission and I think that’s what I’ve seen from Leighton from the time I arrived. You could just feel the energy, the intensity that he’s putting into his workouts to change his body to get as strong as he could. From then on, the questions, in the meetings, you could feel the urgency to go.”
The hindrance for Vander Esch has been a clean bill of health. The 25-year-old has had a myriad of injuries since 2019 that have derailed his otherwise ascending career in Dallas. From a broken collarbone, vertigo, to a neck stinger, he missed six regular-season games in 2020 due to injury and seven in 2019. Now fully healthy, he is gearing up for 2021. Not only has he been focusing on building strength and eating healthier throughout the offseason, but he is prioritizing the mental aspect of the game that will breed success.
“It’s preparing mentally when I’m watching film and paying attention in meetings and getting the most out of it as you can,” Vander Esch noted. “The NFL journey doesn’t last long and so it’s not forever. So, you got to make the most of it while you’re there and I think just preparing, watching film, making sure you’re in position and that you can communicate out there, make the right calls, make the right checks and then just dial in, the more you know, the more you recognize, the slower the game is and the faster you can play.”
He is adjusting to Dan Quinn’s scheme and approach. Vander Esch confirmed that his role will be similar to what he played the past two seasons in Dallas, prior to the disastrous Mike Nolan regime change. Going back to a familiar scheme and one that is tailored to fit player’s skillsets will lead to quicker reaction and less hesitation at the snap.
“I’m going back to pretty much to my old role from the first two years, which I think is what it should have been last year, but I think it’s going to be a lot more familiar to what we were used to doing, which is running and hitting and making plays and having fun.”
Training camp in Oxnard will be a better gauge of where players will line up and their permanent roles in Quinn’s scheme to maximize each player’s individual strengths. Quinn has been rotating linebackers but given Vander Esch’s injury-prone history, he will likely play the weakside role. That will free him up to run to the football and will decrease collisions with blockers in gaps. The position would not only play into Vander Esch’s skills but also preserve and prolong his career. In addition, an influential factor in the Will decision is the Boise State product’s length according to Quinn.
“As far as the weakside goes, just the length that he has, he can play behind a three-technique, like a big guy like Nev [Neville Gallimore] who can get onto the block and allows him to scrape and run fast. Those are just a few of the things that he’s done…On the edges of the field and on the perimeter and on the sideline, those are really a lot of times when these length moments show up and I think that’s an excellent example of why Leighton not only has speed to cover ground but he also has the length to go make the play.”
Going back to the position will only elevate his production from sideline-to-sideline and will act as an insurance policy, keeping him on the field. His immense potential is not the question mark, it’s can he stay healthy long enough to make an impact? Mike McCarthy believes the new venture will help him reach a high ceiling.
“He’s in great shape,” McCarthy told reporters. “He was coming off an injury this time last year. So, just getting himself ready for the endurance for a full NFL season. I think everything else will take care of itself. So, he’s been here every day. I love his work ethic. I love his approach. I think he’s top notch in every category when it comes to preparing for an upcoming football season. I think the course that he’s on, I think that everything that’s in front of him will be attainable.”
The Cowboys bolstered the linebacker corps. during free agency and the 2021 NFL Draft with Keanu Neal, Micah Parsons (first round) and Jabril Cox (fourth round). Each sent a clear message to both Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith. However, the acquisitions will bring out the best in each player vying for snaps. As Vander Esch put it, it is building the foundation of competing “with” teammates as opposed to “against.” A new era begins for the second level of Quinn’s defense.
“I mean I think it’s fun. Competing with each other, not against each other, I think that’s the thing about being a good teammate. You’re not trying to compete against somebody that’s on your team. You’re trying to compete with them, and I think that makes everyone better.”
