Dallas Cowboys: Is suspected pet cat Zach Allen this year’s Vander Esch?
Boston College defensive end Zach Allen could be the Dallas Cowboys‘ new pet cat this offseason. But is he the next Leighton Vander Esch in Big D?
Former Dallas Cowboys‘ head coach Bill Parcells coined the phrase pet cat when referring to a particular prospect he really liked. And that term has gone on to have multiple meanings.
Sometimes a pet cat is an under-the-radar player or a sleeper prospect no one knows about. Sometimes it’s an undrafted free agent you’re hoping signs with your favorite team. And sometimes it’s a first-round selection who shocks the football world.
Months before the 2018 NFL Draft, Boise State linebacker Leighton Vander Esch was touted as the Cowboys’ possible pet cat. Despite wide receiver being the bigger need at the time, and Alabama wideout Calvin Ridley still on the board, Dallas opted to draft Vander Esch 19th overall. And the rookie linebacker shined in his first season, posting a whopping 140 total tackles, two interceptions and earning himself a Pro Bowl nod.
So what prospect might be the Cowboys’ new pet cat heading into the 2019 NFL Draft? Former pro scout and current football analyst for DallasCowboys.com, Bryan Broaddus, revealed on Thursday’s episode of The Draft Show podcast that he believes Boston College defensive end Zach Allen might be that player.
"“Zach Allen? I think he’s the pet cat of the [Cowboys] organization. I’m looking forward to seeing these 30 visits and seeing if Zach Allen is on that list.”"
Allen is a powerful and smart defensive end who has the versatility to play multiple positions along the line and possesses the type of endless motor Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli is going to love. The defensive end prospect recorded 161 total tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, 10 pass defends and two interceptions during his final two seasons at Boston College.
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If Zach Allen is indeed the Dallas Cowboys’ new pet cat, the team may see him in the same way they viewed acquiring Leighton Vander Esch last year. Regardless of who else might be available or team need, they’ll draft him 58th overall in the second round. If they do, then Allen be playing behind and learning from elite pass rushers like DeMarcus Lawrence and Robert Quinn. I’m not sure I can think of a better set of veteran disruptors to emulate.