6 Biggest Winners From Cowboys Offseason Workouts

4. Marist Liufau, Linebacker

New defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer was thrilled when the Cowboys landed Notre Dame linebacker Marist Liufau in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. When he got on the phone with him during draft night, he told the young man that he knew he wanted to bring him in once he understood just how intelligent he was when it came to the game of football.

Now that his new teammates have had a chance to work with him, they're seeing the same thing the veteran coach did.

Third-year linebacker Damone Clark spoke on Liufau and said the rookie is a "sponge" and added that he's going to be "one of them ones."

"He's a sponge," Clark said of Liufau via Patrik Walker of DallasCowboys.com. "He asks a lot of questions. He goes out there and does everything 110 percent. He gives his all on every play, and the sky's the limit for him. Marist is going to be one of them Ones."

Liufau joins a linebacking corps that will look vastly different from a year ago. Leighton Vander Esch was forced to retire following another neck injury and Markquese Bell returns to his natural safety position. Clark is the lone returning starter and will be joined by Eric Kendricks, Liufau, and 2023 third-round pick DeMarvion Overshown.

Overshown missed his rookie campaign when he tore his ACL and is expected to be an impact player based on his preseason performance. However, he suddenly finds himself facing more competition in the form of Liufau, who will be hard to keep off the field.