Inside The Star
The Dallas Cowboys used their bye week to reset, refocus, and reload on defense.
After battling through inconsistency and injuries, Matt Eberflus finally has a chance to get his full complement of defensive talent on the field.
Four key reinforcements — DeMarvion Overshown, Shavon Revel Jr., Logan Wilson, and Quinnen Williams — are set to take the field for the stretch run. Each one fills a major hole that’s plagued this defense through the first half of the season.
Now in his second NFL season, Overshown looks poised to take a major step forward. His 2024 PFF data from his rookie campaign highlighted flashes of elite playmaking potential:
Overshown’s Week 1 (88.6 DEF, 82.0 PRSH) and Week 4 (77.7 DEF, 82.7 COV) performances last year showed his range and burst.
When healthy, he’s one of the fastest linebackers on the roster — a perfect fit for Eberflus’ emphasis on pursuit, spacing, and team tackling.
Expect Overshown to play more freely now that he’s surrounded by veterans who can handle communication duties. His speed, instincts, and energy should give this defense a noticeable spark right away.
Rookie cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. out of East Carolina has quietly been one of the most technically sound defenders in college football over the past two years:
2024 (ECU): 84.0 DEF | 70.0 RDEF | 66.7 TACK | 59.8 PRSH | 85.4 COV
2023 (ECU): 80.5 DEF | 78.7 RDEF | 82.6 TACK | 52.1 PRSH | 83.5 COV
Those grades reflect the exact traits Eberflus looks for — discipline, balance, and smart pursuit angles. Revel doesn’t overrun plays, doesn’t panic in space, and communicates effectively.
Look for him to earn rotational snaps in nickel and sub packages, where his coverage awareness and tackling efficiency can shine against spread looks.
One of the more under the radar trade deadline acquisitions in the league, Logan Wilson brings stability and leadership to the heart of this defense.
The former Bengal has developed a reputation as one of the NFL’s smartest and most instinctive linebackers.
Career Totals:
Wilson gives Eberflus the kind of player who elevates everyone around him. His ability to read formations, make pre-snap adjustments, and anticipate route concepts instantly improves the Cowboys’ communication.
He’s also a proven finisher — a sure tackler who rarely takes false steps and thrives in high-traffic areas. Wilson allows Overshown to play fast and aggressive without sacrificing alignment or gap control.
The addition of Quinnen Williams completely transforms the Cowboys’ defensive front. One of the league’s premier interior disruptors, Williams brings the power and consistency this unit has lacked inside....
