Dallas Cowboys Draft: Why Leighton Vander Esch is the future

The Dallas Cowboys chose Boise State linebacker Leighton Vander Esch in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. But was he the right choice?

If you’ve followed the Dallas Cowboys draft rumors this offseason, you have become familiar with the name Leighton Vander Esch. Or as he’s affectionately known by fans as “LVE”.

You’ll also know the Cowboys seemed to be really high on Vander Esch throughout the process and reports have even surfaced that Dallas viewed the former Boise State linebacker as ‘Brian Urlacher 2.0’. That comparison is likely why the Cowboys front office and coaching staff seemed extremely excited about their top selection.

So what can fans expect LVE to contribute this season and in the future?

Vander Esch is extremely athletic and physically gifted. At 6-foot-4, 256 pounds, you can see the comparisons to Urlacher who himself was 6-foot-4, 258 pounds. Couple that size with fluid hips, sideline-to-sideline speed (4.65 forty yard dash), and above average coverage ability and you get a coach’s dream of a linebacker.

In Dallas, Vander Esch can immediately provide depth to the linebacker corps.

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Though the team might see a slight shift in philosophy with the addition of Kris Richard to the coaching staff as the new defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator, the Cowboys typically used two linebackers and six defensive backs for the majority of their defensive snaps.

With that being said, the team probably still firmly believes perennial Pro Bowl linebacker Sean Lee and 2016 second round pick Jaylon Smith could be a stellar starting duo; with Vander Esch, Damien Wilson, Joe Thomas, and any later round picks as added depth.

Vander Esch should have an opportunity to make an immediate impact as a potential starter though. The coaching staff is likely still very confident in Lee and Smith from a talent perspective, but they probably have their reservations concerning both as well.

As Cowboy fans know well, Lee is a difference-maker. His presence in the line-up results in a significant upgrade for the defense as a whole. Lee’s biggest issue though is his availability and his age, as he will be 32-years old in July.

Smith’s knee injury didn’t impeded his ability to get on the field in Year Two, but it has raised questions about his ability to regain the performance and talent that he exhibited in college. This year should provide the front office with the information they need on whether he is an average starter or the transcendent player many hoped he would be.

Vander Esch provides insurance for both positions this year. He also has the opportunity to outplay Smith and start alongside Lee. But I feel as though Vander Esch’s biggest contributions will be a year or two down the line.

With this pick, I believe the Cowboys might have just secured a Pro Bowl second level for their defense. In the event that Smith regains his form, he and Vander Esch can become one of the youngest, most versatile, and most talented linebacker corps in the league.

Yet, Vander Esch does not come without flaws. He is a little lean and can afford to put on some pounds to help with some of his issues in block disengagement and playing strength. His solo year of major productivity in college also raises some eyebrows.

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But with a two or three-year plan from the coaching staff and front office, Leighton Vander Esch could be a staple of the Dallas Cowboys defense for years to come. The Cowboys have started their draft strong. Hopefully, the trend continues in the coming days.

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