The NFL draft will take place later this month. In this series, dallas cowboys He's at every position as the team prepares to make a selection in Detroit. Number 8 is linebacker.
Let's take Micah Parsons out of the equation. That's because he doesn't play a traditional linebacker role and lines up as a pass rusher for the majority of his snaps.
Another hybrid, Marquise Bell, should also be left out of the discussion as he is expected to return to his natural safety position under new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.
Leighton Vander Esch? His career ended prematurely due to injury.
When you do all of this, this position clearly becomes the defense's Achilles heel. Need more proof? The Cowboys only signed one outside free agent this offseason, and he's a linebacker.
Both quality and quantity are lacking.
players on the roster
Eric Kendricks: An important veteran addition who understands Zimmer's approach. Started in 127 games in his career.
Damone Clarke: Last season, with the departure of Vander Esch, he received more playing time and led the team in tackles with 115.
Demarvion's Overshow: The coaching staff had a role for the impressive rookie, but a knee injury suffered during training camp prevented him from being on the field.
Tyrus Wheat: A developmental player who needs to make strides this offseason.
Strengths
Kendricks is a good, solid player. The 32-year-old is just a stopgap at the position, but that doesn't mean he isn't great at the position. 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 Kendricks' presence. He is a sincere young player with a desire to improve.
The X Factor at this point is an overshow. Former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn envisioned him in a role similar to veteran Jaylon Kearse. That's why he caused so much excitement early on. Will that skillset translate to how Zimmer plans to position him?
Weakness
Overshawn is coming back from a major injury and has not played in the NFL. This leaves Kendricks and Clark as the only healthy linebackers with experience at this point.
Depth is non-existent and a major concern. An injury to either Kendricks or Clark would put this group in dire straits.
3 targets
Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M: I have visited The Star 30 times. Last season, he led the top 10 college defensemen in tackles, sacks and forced fumbles.
Tommy Eichenberger, Ohio State: Big Ten Linebacker of the Year. He is a physical player who is strong against the run and gets downfield quickly.
Jeremiah Trotter, Clemson: It is considered a hammer. It doesn't hurt that his father was a Pro Bowl linebacker in the NFL.
conclusion
Picking up a few players that can fit into the rotation here is essential going into this draft. An argument could be made that the Cowboys need to invest a second-day pick at the position.
Priorities vary depending on who you are talking to at a given moment. However, no one would argue that linebacker, offensive line, and running back are the positions of greatest need for Dallas going into this draft.
Watch David Moore on Cowboys Happy Hour on The Ticket (KTCK-AM 1310 and 96.7 FM) this Wednesday night at 7 p.m.
Cowboys Draft Needs Series
— quarterback
— running back
— tight end
— Offensive line
— wide receiver
— defensive end
— defensive tackle
— Linebacker
— Details coming soon…
Twitter/X: @DavidMooreDMN
Read more Cowboys coverage from the Dallas Morning News here.
