Inside The Star
Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown suffered one of the most devastating injuries the organization has had in the last decade.
After grinding back from a torn ACL in his rookie season, the former Texas Longhorn dominated in 2024. In 13 games, “Agent Zero” had 90 tackles, eight tackles for loss, five sacks, and one of the most electric pick-sixes you’ll ever see.
Overshown put special athleticism and talent on display, just for the year to be cut short by an even more severe knee injury; his second in three years.
The injury, a torn ACL, MCL, and PCL, is going to be a major aspect of the 2025 season. Between the talent he could bring to the defense during the year and the opportunities and holes it opens up for other players, the unit will be heavily influenced by his recovery.
Dallas hasn’t re-signed Eric Kendricks, and added a group of guys to replace him, so there will be a good number of new faces in Overshown’s absence.
Two storylines in particular will be crucial both early in the year and towards the back end, so let’s talk about them.
As Matt Eberflus entered the fold as defensive coordinator, so did a pair of veteran linebackers. Kenneth Murray, a former first-round pick and Cowboys draft target, was traded for, and Jack Sanborn, an impressive former Bear under Eberflus, was signed.
Both are projected starters as things stand right now, and a young stud is also being asked to step up.
Marist Liufau, Dallas’s third-round pick in 2024 from Notre Dame, played in all 17 games in his rookie campaign and will have to bring even more to the table in DeMarvion Overshown’s absence.
Cowboys LB Marist Liufau has bulked up this offseason. Has added a lot of muscle to his frame, very noticeable. pic.twitter.com/xeohEgbRyR
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) June 3, 2025
These three will make up the linebacker corps to start the year.
Even with the elite athleticism missing from Overshown, Murray, Sanborn, and Liufau will bring a lot to the field as contrasting talents. It’s a great blend of youth, veteran experience, IQ, and firepower.
Murray and Sanborn could easily eclipse 100 tackles each, while a bulked-up Liufau projects as a de facto Overshown fill-in, even if he can’t fully replace his skill set.
Make no mistake about it, the front office has positioned this unit well to contribute in a big way.
Of course, the other major storyline here is the return timeline for DeMarvion Overshown.
Some may say it’s too early to say this, but Overshown might just be the second-most-talented defensive player the Cowboys have. He is a baller, and if his progression tracks, there will be no denying his All-Pro level skill.
Without him, we’re looking at a huge loss, even if Murray, Sanborn, and Liufau do a great job. It is simply hard to see...
