Dallas Cowboys: The unexpected rise of Leighton Vander Esch

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Leighton Vander Esch of Boise State poses after being picked #19 overall by the Dallas Cowboys during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Leighton Vander Esch of Boise State poses after being picked #19 overall by the Dallas Cowboys during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images /

The Dallas Cowboys recognized the Leighton Vander Esch had the skills play as a replacement for 32-year old veteran linebacker Sean Lee and get meaningful snaps throughout games.

Much like quarterback Dak Prescott‘s rise, Vander Esch’s career jump-started with an injury. Lee suffered a strained hamstring in Week 3, so the rookie made his first start against the Detroit Lions the following week.

Vander Esch recorded five tackles in the Cowboys 26-24 victory over the Lions. Though it was not an Earth-shattering performance, Vander Esch played a clean, efficient game– a theme that continue his entire first season.

The rookie grew every week, turning into a household name for America’s Team. Vander Esch was even a given a nickname: The Wolfhunter (given his background of hunting bears and wolves back in his hometown).

Vander Esch’s breakout game came against the Cowboys’ victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 10. He tallied up 13 tackles and an interception from Eagles’ quarterback Carson Wentz. Vander Esch was making highlight plays after highlight plays. Maybe his best play was a tackle for a small gain.

Eagles’ wide receiver Nelson Agholor caught a shovel pass and the Cowboys defensive line and cornerbacks forced Agholor to bounce outside. Vander Esch flew across the field to land a hit on Agholor. The Eagles ended up scoring a touchdown on that drive, but that play proved all the doubters wrong.

People said he could not be physical at the point of attack. On this particular snap, Vander Esch ran from the left hash, fought through a block from the right tackle, and thudded the receiver for only a one-yard gain. Vander Esch won the NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his spectacular performance.