BREAKING NEW:Three late-round LB draft choices are possible targets for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024……..
The Dallas Cowboys defense will place a high priority on stopping the run in 2024, and the linebacker room will be crucial to any progress in this area. To prepare for Leighton Vander Esch’s official NFL retirement, the Cowboys signed LB Eric Kendricks, their lone outside free agent. Kendricks has taken over Vander Esch’s experienced veteran baton to assist in mentoring the other rookie LBs, such as Damone Clark and DeMarvion Overshown. Although the addition of Kendricks fills a significant need, it might not be sufficient, and the Cowboys would be better off adding more depth in the draft.
LBs like Edgerrin Cooper (Texas A&M), Ty’Ron Hopper (Missouri), or Junior Colson (Michigan) might be added in one of the early first rounds if the Cowboys choose to select the best player available. That might not be an option, though, based on Dallas’s needs at other positions and availability. It may be necessary for the Cowboys front staff to hold off on adding another LB until later in the draft. The following three choices could be offered in rounds five through seven.
Penn State’s Curtis Jacobs
Drafting Penn State linebackers is nothing new for the Cowboys. As a matter of fact, they’ve had some success doing so with Micah Parsons and Sean Lee. It might be a hit to add another one with Curtis Jacobs in the fifth or sixth round. He had a 4.58 40-yard dash, a 35″ high jump, and a 10’4″ broad jump at the combine. While he was there, he also had a casual interview with the Cowboys. His coaches named him Defensive Player of the Game three times in his final two seasons at Penn State.
Jacobs is a skilled defensive player who frequently surrounds the ball. Because of his quickness and explosiveness, he can influence plays in the backfield and frequently gets past offensive lineman before they can react. But sometimes those same qualities can lead him to overrun plays. While at Penn State, Jacobs also saw a lot of action on special teams. By providing “Bones” Fassel with additional weaponry, Jacobs might establish a ST role for himself early in his NFL career. Although the young LB still has a lot of space to grow, if the Cowboys are able to select him later in the selection, it might be a very valuable pick.
LB A few weeks ago, Trevin Wallace had an excellent day at the combine, ranking first among LBs with an athletic score of 86 according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Without a doubt, he possesses the skill, athleticism, and potential to be successful in the NFL. Wallace has 134 total tackles, eight sacks, one forced fumble, and three interceptions in his previous two seasons in Kentucky. He was selected for the 2021 All-SEC Freshman Team during his freshman year.
Wallace is quick to run down players and can read plays to place himself in the best possible position. But one of the main reasons he is graded lower than other LBs in the draft could be his inconsistent play. According to Nicole Hutchinson of DallasCowboys.com, the Cowboys have already expressed interest in the Kentucky LB as they have planned a 30-visit with him. Wallace has the ability to contribute on special teams and be a rotational linebacker if the Cowboys choose him.
Be the first to comment