FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys do not view the linebacker position as a glaring priority before the draft. After re-signing Leighton Vander Esch and safety Jayron Kearse, who operates as a hybrid nickel linebacker lining up in the box and over the tight end, the team believes they are in good shape.
In today’s NFL, defenses have adapted to evolving pass-oriented offensive attacks. Strongside linebackers are becoming obsolete as teams incorporate more nickel and dime packages, using five and six defensive backs to match the speed of offensive personnel. To combat the spread, teams are keeping more linebackers off the field, including the Cowboys.
Vander Esch played some of his best football at the end of the 2021 season and Kearse led the team in tackles. He acted as a tight end eraser, containing some of the NFL’s elite including Travis Kelce, George Kittle and Darren Waller in 2021. Dallas is not expected to retain veteran Keanu Neal, who played 580 snaps last season. Jabril Cox, the Cowboys’ fourth-round draft pick last year will occupy an increased role in the 2022 linebacker rotation. Cox is making progress as he works his way back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered on Halloween against Minnesota. He was expected to see a ramp-up in production following the release of Jaylon Smith, but the injury derailed Cox’s otherwise ascending rookie campaign.
“He’s doing really well. Feel great about him,” Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones said about Cox at the 2022 owners’ meetings. “Feel great that he is the right fit for what Dan [Quinn] wants to do defensively. I think he’s coming along great. Should be a big plus for us this year. Will fill right in where Keanu [Neal] left off. I think he has great coverage skills. A good offseason will be good for him. Really like his upside.”
The 23-year-old began his collegiate career at North Dakota State, where he earned honors as MVFC Freshman of the Year and Second-Team All-MVFC (2017), MVFC Defensive Player of the Year (2018), two-time All-MVFC (2018, 2019), two-time FCS All American and three-time FCS champion. Cox, then took his talents to the LSU Tigers in 2020 and made a name for himself in the SEC, lining up as an outside linebacker in their hybrid 3-4 scheme. He became a team captain for his leadership skills off the field and showcased his elite coverage skills on the field. Pairing up against tight ends, covering the slot, or dropping in zone, Cox was effective at both North Dakota State and LSU. He elevated the defense with his understanding of route concepts, fluid hip flips to run and discipline in coverage. In 2020 for LSU, Cox was the third-highest graded Power 5 off-ball linebacker in coverage and in 2018 and 2019 for North Dakota State, he notched an 85.2 coverage grade per PFF.
The Cowboys have historically struggled against pass-catching running backs and tight ends in the NFC East, so in 2021 under the first-year leadership of Dan Quinn, the team placed a priority on speed and the space game. Scouts covet players that have length and can run, with the prevalence of multiple tight end sets and variance in the slot. Cox, now back from injury, will have the opportunity to make his mark in the offseason program alongside, Micah Parsons.
Linebacker, Micah Parsons, the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, will look to build off a sensational rookie campaign. He finished with a franchise rookie-record 13 sacks and spearheaded the club’s defensive turnaround. Quinn built the foundation of the defense and pressure packages around his versatility, sparking a transformation in 2021.
Given the success and natural pass rush ability, many have speculated about a potential full-time move for Parsons to defensive end. However, limiting him to one position would be doing the queen chess piece a disservice. What makes him a nightmare for offensive coordinators around the league is the element of surprise. On any given play, he can come from anywhere. Whether it is blitzing off the edge, a stunt over the A-gap, dropping into coverage, or flowing to the ball carrier, Parsons evidenced his versatile prowess.
With Dan Quinn back as the defensive coordinator in 2022, there are high expectations for the encore. The future of the linebacker corps is bright in Dallas, with the base of talent intact for another year. Given the depth, the Cowboys will likely look in the later rounds to upgrade the position group. However, if by some chance, Georgia’s Nakobe Dean or Utah’s Devin Lloyd fell to 24, that could be the direction they go – choosing the best player available regardless of need. The odds? Extremely slim.
