Analyzing the Cowboys 2023 draft class and their possible roles

3rd Round (90th) DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas ADP: 135th (-45)

Inside linebacker is a position that asks a lot from you. One must be able to read plays early and react, be strong enough to deal with offensive linemen lead blocking, cover tight ends, and be fast enough to shadow running backs.

In a division with two mobile quarterbacks, Jalen Hurts and Daniel Jones, shutting down their legs is important to contain them. You want someone that runs hard and will lay out the opponent when they get that opportunity. They got that in linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, A.K.A. Agent 0.

The safety-turned-linebacker improved in his three seasons of playing after two seasons primarily staying on the bench. One of the leaders on the Texas defence, he had 60+ tackles in a season the past three seasons, including 96 this past season.

Another big-time athlete, Overshown, showcased elite speed at the combine, notching a 4.56-second 40-yard dash and, more impressively, a 1.55-second 10-yard split. That quick burst and play-reading ability led him to have ten tackles for a loss and 4.0 sacks last season.

PLUS: Overshown is versatile. While not the same prospect, the versatility of Micah Parsons made him so valuable, and the same can be said for the Texas product. He will defend the run, cover linebackers, run downhill on running backs, and has a nice touch of pass rushing in his arsenal.

Making ball carriers pay is one of the defining traits of his game. Agent 0 doesn't look to tackle guys. He tries to run through them. The potential of the 22-year-old is great, and working with Parsons will only improve him.

MINUS: Looking to blow players up doesn't always go your way. That's because shifty ball carriers can make you bite on a move, and bigger ball carriers can bounce off you. While he is six feet and two and a half inches tall, he weighs only 229 pounds. Overshown must work on his wrap tackling.

When defending the run, bigger offensive linemen can get the better of him. He doesn't have the size or anchoring ability to handle them right now. He relies on going around them or getting there before a lineman does, which won't always work.

ROLE: When Jaylon Smith was at the top of his game, he sat back, read the evolving play, and utilized his speed to break up a pass or tackle a back. That same role will be where Overshown thrives. If he is as smart as the Cowboys' front office believes, expect him to get a decent defensive role early.

Dallas still rosters other young linebackers like Damone Clark and Jabril Cox, but the latter has yet to carve out a consistent role with the team. With Parsons taking more of a pass-rushing role, Overshown will help Clark and Leighton Vander Esch on the second level.

At a position needing more stability, the Cowboys added a versatile piece. The selection makes for a perfect fit, and the prospect can make an immediate impact while continuing to develop. At this point in the draft, late in the third, it becomes more of picking your guys rather than worrying about reaches. I love this pick.

GRADE: A