NFL Draft 2021: Dallas Cowboys select LSU LB Jabril Cox: The Impact

Cowboys fans rejoice! Linebacker Number Two, Jabril Cox in the Books. Cox is the second LB the team selected this draft, as Thursday night, the Cowboys used their 12th selection to draft Micah Parsons.

LSU LB Jabril Cox taken off the board, as the Dallas Cowboys secure another defensive position.

Cox’s status with the team will be up in the air as the Dallas is already stacked at the linebacker position. Currently the Cowboys have Leighton Vander Esch, Jaylon Smith and Tarell Basham in core. With Parsons drafted in the first-round, the team will have plenty of shuffling to do with the selection of Cox.

While the LSU stud may not start for the team, one scenario could be having Cox used as a third down specialist.

Some key attributes of the young linebacker include his ability to have a keen eye for the football. Last season for LSU, Cox was listed as an all-around player. For the tigers, he had 58 tackles, five deflected passes and three interception.

His best highlight came in his opening day for LSU, as he returned a 14 yard interception for a touchdown. Other top features include his game against Alabama where he recorded nine tackles.

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Cox’s best seasons however, came during his time at North Dakota State. While there he recorded 258 tackles, 14 sacks and two interceptions. Who can forget he was awarded the Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

At his pro-day, he did not disappointment as scouts were presented with a solid effort. Cox was measured at 6’2 and 233 pounds. Not bad for a young fella. Other outstanding numbers included his 4.52 time time in the 40 yard dash and his 34 inch vertical leap.

Like every draftee though, there comes concerns. Some of his weaknesses included his ability to overthink plays at his times, thus causing him to miss tackles or plays down field. Other concerns include his lack of aggressiveness against offensive blockers and his ability to suffer injuries at times.

Whatever the case may be, Cox has the ability to excel at the next level when given the right team and opportunity. His resume speaks for itself and hopefully Dallas will put him to good use.

• Published on 05/01/2021 at 17:34 PM
• Last updated at 05/01/2021 at 17:34 PM