The Dallas Cowboys have taken linebacker Leighton Vander Esch with their first-round pick, 19th overall, in the 2018 NFL Draft.
The #Cowboys take the player they wanted for weeks — #BoiseSt LB Leighton Vander Esch — at No. 19. They had zero problem with his neck after doing a final check with their trainers today. No issue.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
Vander Esch, who played college ball for the Boise State Broncos, was measured at the NFL Combine 6'4″ and 256 pounds. He is big, athletic defender who has been compared to another Rod Marinelli product, Hall-of-Famer Brian Urlacher.
Leighton will compete for a starting role with Jaylon Smith and Damien Wilson in 2018. Even if he doesn't start, Vander Esch will factor heavily into the team's defensive rotation and provide insurance against the health of Jaylon and Sean Lee.
