The Dallas Cowboys seem to have issues at linebacker every year. Could this be the year the bad luck will change?
A returning player who will help in this seemingly never-ending need is last year’s rookie linebacker DeMarvion Overshown.
Ahead of schedule
Overshown was expected to have a significant impact last year before a torn ACL in the preseason sidelined him for the year.
However, the linebacker is recovering ahead of schedule from the injury, according to The Dallas Morning News’ Calvin Watkins.
This news is significant considering the Cowboys’ linebacker depth is uncertain.
Overshown is a potential game changer with his size and speed combination.
At 6’3 229lb his frame has room to add bulk and a year of recovery and rehab could see the linebacker return with more size.
At the University of Texas, Overshown had agility and playmaking abilities. This playmaking ability from the linebacker position would be a welcomed surprise.
College days
During his time at the University of Texas, Overshown played five years and began his college career as a safety. The athletic ability to play safety will show sideline to sideline either chasing down the run or playing the pass.
In his final season at Texas, he posted a 72.1 overall grade and had 23 pressures from the linebacker spot.
The grade at linebacker he received in college would have been better than any linebacker the Cowboys fielded last season.
At the NFL combine, Overshown ran a 4.56 forty-yard dash and was the 8th overall linebacker in the draft class.
This size and speed combination will be beneficial in all aspects of the defensive gameplan.
New coordinator
Overshown will be entering a situation where a new defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer, is taking over after the departure of Dan Quinn.
Zimmer brings a defensive philosophy that could benefit the linebackers.
Zimmer likes having large defensive linemen in front of the second level.
The space eaters up front should lead to more clean looks at the quarterback and the running back lanes.
Clean looks did not seem to occur often last year as many times the offensive line made it to the second level, leading to big gains by opposing running backs.
Veteran free agents
Eric Kendricks is one of the few free agents the Cowboys went all in on this offseason.
He brings experience to the group and has a history with Coach Zimmer.
Being coached by Zimmer in the past will help Kendricks spread the knowledge and new language of a differing defensive philosophy.
Overshown will be able to pick the brain of Kendricks and, hopefully, grasp this defensive philosophy quickly.
Along with Kendricks, Overshown will have the luxury of a Super Bowl-winning linebacker in the room, Damien Wilson, who was drafted by the Cowboys in 2015.
The veteran linebackers added to the team will benefit Overshown tremendously in his return to the field.
It will allow the young man to see the work ethic needed to succeed at a high level.
The linebacker core, seen as a weakness, could be making its way to having a turnaround-type season with Overshown in the mix.
Overshown has the potential to be a game-changer.
Defense
The defense has superstars at all levels. Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, DeMarcus Lawrence, DaRon Bland, and now Overshown can take this defense to another level.
Zimmer will bring a fierce coaching style and light a fire under these players needed late in games.
That fire was not seen in many games last year and will be needed to see a winning season and a run in the playoffs.
With Overshown in the mix, it gives Zimmer another weapon to deploy against the high-powered offenses the team will face this season.
Overshown will have the benefit of easing back onto the field while picking the brains of veteran players on defense.
This will create a great environment for the young linebacker to learn and grow as the season progresses.
Here’s to hoping the Cowboys found another gem in the draft.