Top 5 Cowboys’ position battles heading into OTAs/training camp
4. Linebacker Opposite Micah Parsons
Leighton Vander Esch vs Jabril Cox
There was so much potential shown from Leighton Vander Esch after his first season in the league, but after a few disappointing seasons and nagging injuries, the Cowboys made the move to find themselves linebackers that would be the future for them.
They took Micah Parsons and Jabril Cox, and Cox started to take snaps from Vander Esch (specifically on passing downs) until he went down with a knee injury that sidelined him midseason. Now, both are back and ready to play, and with Vander Esch on a one-year deal, he’s going to be hard-pressed to beat out Cox.
Cowboys feel good at LB. Micah Parsons to build off DROY season. 2021 4th-rounder Jabril Cox mending ACL tear. And they re-signed Leighton Vander Esch, Luke Gifford, hybrid safety/LB Jayron Kearse.
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) March 29, 2022
"Could do better there but I wouldn't say it's a huge priority before the draft." https://t.co/aNrpl6k4Xd
Both have the ability to play well next to Parsons, but we have to assume that Vander Esch will have the leg up on Cox thanks to his experience. However, Cox is the more athletic of the two, and that works in his favor. So what this will come down to ultimately is their health (as both have had major injuries in the past) and if the Cowboys coaches want the speed or experience playing next to Parsons.