Third-Year Cowboy Primed to Become Defensive Leader

The Dallas Cowboys have had an underwhelming offseason in terms of adding talent. They weren't aggressive in adding players via free agency or the trade market.

Instead, they are rolling into the 2024 season with basically the same team from last year.

That is a risky choice but that's what management decided to go with. They are confident that their young players will take a step forward and Damone Clark is ready to take a jump this fall.

He's decided to reach out to two former Cowboy greats.

Cowboys News: Damone Clark Has Reached out to Leighton Vander Esch and Sean Lee

When speaking to reporters on Friday, Clark revealed that he plans to continue sending film to Leighton Vander Esch for advice this upcoming season.

Vander Esch was forced to retire this offseason after multiple neck surgeries. Even though he won't be on the field, he'll still have an impact on the team.

Clark also added that Vander Esch connected him with former Cowboy linebacker Sean Lee. Now Lee will be another voice in Clark's ear as he continues to develop.

The LSU product will now have a larger role in 2024 with Vander Esch gone. The 24-year-old is a very athletic defender with terrific closing speed.

Last season, he started 17 games, finishing with 109 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and three pass deflections.

He has the athletic ability to thrive but now it's the mental part of the game that needs to take a jump. Learning from Vander Esch and Lee is what can take his game to the next level. Both of those guys were Pro Bowlers here in Dallas.

It's great to see Clark embracing the challenge for 2024.

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