Linebacker among biggest needs in draft
The NFL draft is coming later this month. This series looks at how the Dallas Cowboys stand at every position as the team prepares to make its selections in Detroit. The eighth installment is linebacker.
Let’s remove Micah Parsons from the equation, since he doesn’t play a traditional linebacker role and lines up as a pass rusher for the majority of his snaps.
Marquese Bell, another hybrid, should be removed from the discussion as well since he’s expected to return to his natural safety position under new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.
Leighton Vander Esch? His career has come to a premature end due to injury.
Do all that, and this position is clearly the Achilles heel of the defense. Need more proof ? The Cowboys have signed only one outside free agent this offseason, and he’s a linebacker.
Quality and quantity are in short supply.
Players on roster
Eric Kendricks: Key veteran addition who understands Zimmer’s approach. He has made 127 starts in his career.
Damone Clark: Led team in tackles last season with 115 as his playing time increased with the loss of Vander Esch.
Demarvion Overshown: Coaching staff had a role carved out for this impressive rookie, but a knee injury in training camp kept him from reaching the field.
Tyrus Wheat: A developmental player who will need to show strides this offseason.
Strengths
Kendricks is a good, solid player. At 32 he’s nothing more than a stop-gap at the position, but that doesn’t mean he’s not a good one. He should help bring a physical edge to the middle of the defense.
Clark had a lot thrown at him last season and struggled at times. That steep learning curve should pay dividends this season, especially with the presence of Kendricks. He’s a conscientious young player who wants to improve.
The X-factor at the moment is Overshown. Dan Quinn, the previous defensive coordinator, envisioned him in a role similar to veteran Jayron Kearse. That’s why he generated such excitement early. Will that skill set translate into how Zimmer intends to deploy him?
Weaknesses
Overshown is coming back off a major injury and hasn’t played a snap in the NFL. That leaves Kendricks and Clark as the only healthy linebackers with any experience at the moment.
Depth is nonexistent and a major concern. An injury to Kendricks or Clark puts this group in a serious bind.
Three targets Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M:
Made a top-30 visit to The Star. Led a top 10 college defense in tackles, sacks and forced fumbles this past season.
Tommy Eichenberger, Ohio State:
The reigning Big Ten linebacker of the Year. A physical player who is good against the run and is able to get downfield quickly.
Jeremiah Trotter, Clemson:
Considered a hammer. Doesn’t hurt that his father has been a Pro Bowl linebacker in the NFL.
Bottom line
Picking up a couple of players who can step into the rotation here is essential going into this draft. An argument can be made that the Cowboys need to invest a second-day pick on the position.
The pecking order varies based on who you’re talking to in a particular moment. But no one will dispute that linebacker, offensive line and running back are the greatest position needs for Dallas going into this draft.