Five Dallas Cowboys players in preseason opener spotlight
By Brad Austin
#55 LEIGHTON VANDER ESCH (6’4, 256, MLB)
The rookie first-round draft pick is dripping with ideal size and raw physical attributes. We know from his days at Boise State that he’s very mobile in both pass coverage and tracking the ball in space.
However, excelling at middle linebacker in the NFL involves blowing up powerful inside blocks and being a force in the trash. While his size indicates he should excel at such, his college responsibilities didn’t require it very often.
Unseating Jaylon Smith in the middle is a much bigger task than most are assuming. While LVE will surely see plenty of time in two-linebacker defensive alignments, he’s going to have to prove he has the physicality to halt traffic in the middle.
#25 XAVIER WOODS (5’11, 202, S)
Much of the fanbase is still praying for a late summer trade for Earl Thomas. It has less to do with faith in Xavier Woods, and more to do with wanting an elite centerfielder.
If Woods is fairly unnoticeable tonight or even makes a few costly mistakes, the cries for Thomas will only become more pronounced and forceful.
On the flip side, if the second year safety announces his presence and stands out in a demonstrative way, much of the faithful will begin to reject forfeiting a valuable 2019 draft pick to acquire a very expensive upgrade.