Dallas Cowboys linebacking corps: From paupers to princes?

Dallas Cowboys (gold medal)

Leighton Vander Esch, Jaylon Smith, Sean Lee, Damien Wilson, Joe Thomas, Justin March-Lillard, Joel Lanning, Tre’Von Johnson

Dallas earns gold for their linebackers due to three specific reasons.

One. Sean Lee is unquestionably one of the five best linebackers in football. Yes, he still has the injury albatross hanging around his neck. It does not take away from the talent level and cerebral play Lee brings to the table. The only thing keeping him from perennial All-Pro status is the injury bug.

Two. We may finally get to see the real Jaylon Smith in 2018. Last year was his first after sitting out the entire 2016 season recovering from injury. Last year he played with a brace on his foot all season. This year? The brace is gone. His speed is increased as is his strength. Smith, himself, believes he will be better than the version of himself that had him as a lock top five overall pick three years ago.

Three. The drafting of Vander Esch gives Dallas three guys who can absolutely fly to the ball. Vander Esch and Lee may already be in line as one of the best pass defending LB duo’s in the league. This kid lacks superior football acumen (right now) but not talent or desire. With Lee as a mentor, the sky is the limit.

Behind them, Wilson, Thomas and March-Lillard provide great depth. For all of these reasons, the Cowboys barely edge out Washington for the top spot.

Next: Dallas Cowboys: 15 best first-round picks of all-time

After this round, here is the new scoreboard:

Philadelphia Eagles – 14
Dallas Cowboys – 13
Washington Redskins – 9
New York Giants – 7

Check back on Tuesday as the defensive backs go through the evaluation process.