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Dallas Cowboys: This unknown defender could shine in the preseason

By Steven Mullenax

Oct 16, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; A Dallas Cowboys helmet sits on the field prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Dallas won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; A Dallas Cowboys helmet sits on the field prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Dallas won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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One Dallas Cowboys insider believes this relativity unknown first-year defender could make some noise once he has an opportunity to play this preseason.

When thinking about the Dallas Cowboys linebacker corps going into training camp, all eyes will surely be on second-year prospect Jaylon Smith. But the former 2016 second round selection might not be the only linebacker making headlines in Dallas come the preseason.

Back in January, there wasn’t much fanfare when the Cowboys signed veteran linebacker John Lotulelei to a Reserve/Future contract. Why would there be? With players like Anthony Hitchens, Damien Wilson and Mark Nzeocha already providing quality depth at the position.

Signing the 2013 undrafted linebacker out of UNLV was nothing more than taking a flier on player who had spent time with the Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars and the Oakland Raiders before landing in Dallas.

But the undersized Lotulelei (5’11, 233) has emerged this offseason as a sleeper candidate to back-up two-time Pro Bowler Sean Lee at the weakside linebacker position. And one Cowboys insider believes he’ll start turning some heads once the preseason kicks off.

"“I like what I have seen so far from Lotulelei and his movement skills,” wrote Bryan Broaddus on the team’s official website recently. “He might be a little short, but he’s always around the ball and that will show up when we start these preseason games.”"

Despite entering the league in 2013, injuries have limited the 25-year old to playing in only 18 total regular season games with two starts. His career total for tackles is just 12, with one forced fumble.

But adding a player like Lotulelei onto your roster is about trying to find a hidden gem. During his senior year at UNLV, he recorded a whopping 120 tackles in 13 games. It was enough to earn him first-team All-Mountain West honors in 2012. Checkout some of his highlights below.

Next: Dallas Cowboys - Minicamp to training camp, Notes to ponder

Veteran linebacker John Lotulelei has shown enough potential around the league to keep several teams interested in him for the past four years. The Dallas Cowboys are surely hoping that potential turns into actual production in 2017.

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