Dallas Cowboys Linebackers: 2023 Position Overview

The linebackers of the Dallas Cowboys have the potential to become an exceptional group.

There will be questions about the Dallas Cowboys’ linebackers health and ability to reach their full potential on the football field. If they do, there are endless possibilities and no limits to what can be achieved.

Opportunities will present themselves. The No. 2 linebacker of the Dallas Cowboys during the past year was Anthony Barr. He’s not part of the team anymore.

The Dallas Cowboys linebackers will have a familiar face in charge, namely Leighton Vander Esch. Vander Esch has proven himself as a talented football player, however, he will require support from others in his group.

With Vander Esch included, this group of linebackers is youthful and has many athletic and versatile players. The speed is what stands out for me. We are looking at a young group that can cover, ran. and blitz.

To improve their defense, the Dallas Cowboys need more speed, particularly in their linebacking unit, which hasn’t had a top-tier playing speed since Micah Parson’s position change.

Damone Clark

Since his college days playing, I have been an admirer of LB Damone Clark. Here’s my pre draft report on him, feel free to check it out.

The reason Clark didn’t play in the Cowboys’ first seven games was because of offseason spinal fusion surgery. However, the rookie started five of the last eight regular-season games for Dallas. Clark is expected to be the projected starter alongside Leighton Vander Esch this year.

Despite his head spinning during the latter part of last season, he displayed the speed that makes him an exciting prospect when he played without overthinking.

Anthony Barr had severe limitations in his ability to change direction and playing speed. Physical limitations are nonexistent for Clark. It was purely mental. With a proper off season, Damone Clark is expected to achieve greater things in year 2.

Jabril Cox

In 2021, the Dallas Cowboys selected Jabril Cox in the 4th round of the NFL draft.

He suffered an ACL injury during his rookie season in week eight against the Vikings, hindering his development. Prior to the injury, we caught glimpses of a speedy and talented linebacker.

In a league that prioritizes passing, linebackers who can cover are highly sought-after. With good instincts, he is an exceptional zone-coverage linebacker who glides around the field.

He has the ability to read routes, defend running backs in the flat, and cover tight ends downfield. He possesses the skills to be an effective weapon against tight ends.

He’s versatile enough to serve as a spy against quarterbacks. There is a lot to love about him as a player. An extra year to recover from his ACL injury will greatly boost his confidence and improve his mental and physical ability to play.

DeMarvion Overshown

Overshown’s movement skills shine when transitioning from safety to linebacker. He can flat out run. Notice the trend here. Speed, speed, and more speed.

He possesses a combination of strong safety traits and off-ball linebacker skills, and I believe that this unique blend will become apparent quite early in his career.

His motor runs at a high temperature and he possesses a strong sense of the position, enabling him to play exceptionally well. His impressive skills allow him to track down plays from the back and relentlessly pursue the ball carrier all around the line of scrimmage.

Based on the information that I have collected, his ability to rush the passer is heavily dependent on blitzing and sometimes taking the opposition by surprise. He has a real knack for it.

The draft selection of Mazi Smith is further proof of the smart move made by the team, which will lead to benefits for the linebacking group.

His top priority while learning the defense should be becoming a special teams ace.The Cowboys found a promising prospect that can assist them presently and in the future.

Devin Harper

Devin Harper was chosen by the Dallas Cowboys with the No. 193 overall pick in the 6th round of the 2022 NFL Draft, after a trade with the Cleveland Browns. He was put on injured reserve on October 29, 2022.

Harper played a total of 59 games during his college career, with 16 of them being starts. His stats included 216 tackles, 26.5 for a loss, 13.5 sacks, two interceptions, four pass breakups, 22 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, two fumbles recovered, and one blocked punt..

Despite his impressive speed, sound tackling, and potential for depth, he’s in for a tough battle. It’s crucial for him to figure out how to become a core member on special teams. He did in at Oklahoma State.

"“I’m more athletic and faster than a lot of guys that play it. It just kinda comes natural to me and plus like it gives me the ability to make plays in space, open-field tackles.” – Devin Harper during his visit with the Cowboys last year."

Isaiah Land

Land tallied 20 tackles, 3 assists, and 34 stops in 2021. He recorded a total of 49 pressures as a pass rusher, including 26 QB hurries, 5 QB hits, and an impressive 18 sacks throughout the year.

During the 2022 season, Land played in 8 games and participated in 359 snaps as a junior. He made 15 tackles, provided 3 assists and had 18 stops recorded. He generated a total of 34 pressures as a pass rusher, which consisted of 25 QB hurries, 2 QB hits, and 7 sacks for the season.

Isaiah Land, is both long and lean, and he has outstanding athleticism. His exceptional first-step quickness as a rusher allows him to win edges with ease.

Upon winning the edge, Land’s impressive length and ability to pivot and flatten at the top of the arc allows him to reach the quarterback quickly. He possesses an outstanding motor and excellent foot speed that helps him chase the quarterback from the backside.

Although Land has many positive attributes, there are major concerns when considering his potential at the next level.

At only 236 pounds, Land is significantly undersized as an NFL edge rusher. Due to being undersized, he will probably transition to linebacker, where he can become a impact player.

With his length and experience at defensive end, he will project as a bendy linebacker who can shed blocks. Until he develops fully into a complete linebacker, he can serve as a pass rush specialist.

You can never have enough pass rushers.

In ending, I’m a fan of the Dallas Cowboys’ collection of young talent in this group, although some may require more time for development and the odds of them staying healthy are unknown. Playing is better than sitting for the young and fast.