Blogging The Boys
Here is a look at the state of the Cowboys linebacker group.
In our last entry of the roster review series, we discussed the defensive tackles including one important element of stopping the run. However, the second level of the defense also has to pull its weight in that department. The linebacker position carries a lot of intrigue this season for varied reasons. For example, what impact will the linebackers have under their third defensive coordinator in as many seasons, and how do the pieces all fit under Matt Eberflus? Here’s a look at where the Cowboys are at linebacker ahead of training camp.
After being drafted with the 23rd overall pick in the 2020 draft by the Los Angeles Chargers, Kenneth Murray has had an uneven career. As a rookie, he was named to the PFWA All-Rookie team. Yet since then, Murray has had an inconsistent career, seemingly alternating mediocre seasons with good ones. After signing a two-year, $15M contract with the Tennessee Titans, they traded Murray, along with a seventh-round draft, in exchange for a sixth-round pick from the Cowboys.
Murray fits the prototype of linebackers the Cowboys want to utilize. He’s big, he’s fast and he gets downhill in a hurry when he is in the right gap. Per PFF, Murray was ranked 185 out of 189 linebackers in terms of run defense, a likely signifier of his struggles in being caught out of position and why the Titans were willing to part with him. Hopefully, Dallas can get the best out of him and needs a fresh start.
Eberflus’ connection with Jack Sanborn will give him a leg up on his linebacker counterparts after having played for Eberflus for the first three years of his career. Sanborn isn’t exactly a fast linebacker, relying more on instincts to be in the right spots than covering the field sideline to sideline. He could fit in at all three linebacker spots but would be better off playing Mike or Sam. Sanborn saw a sharp decline in his playing time last year where he was in and out of the lineup for Chicago. He also offers some pass-rush upside as a blitzer. Sanborn could emerge as the leader of the unit based on his familiarity with Eberflus.
If not for injuries, DeMarvion Overshown would probably be a Pro Bowl player by now. In his short career, we’ve seen what makes him such a unique talent. He’s got excellent speed, exceptional range to play horizontally, and plenty of length with very long arms. In pass coverage, he’s outstanding in covering underneath patterns in zone coverage. As a pass rusher, he’s a very good blitzer from the interior.
Overshown has all the makings of a defensive catalyst to change games, especially on a defense that already features Micah Parsons. Although he’s expressed optimism that he could return by Week 1 from his knee injury, the more likely timetable for his return is optimistically...
