Ranking the Cowboys' position groups from worst to best in 2023

10. Linebackers

• Leighton Vander Esch
• Damone Clark
• Devin Harper

The Dallas Cowboys obviously were planning on rookie DeMarvion Overshown playing a relatively big role in their defense this year, but they'll have to wait to see how he rebounds from a knee injury in 2024. There could be a committee approach to the off-ball linebacker position for Dan Quinn this year that involves some floating by Micah Parsons, but perhaps more likely, we could see a number of safeties playing "box" roles in 2023.

Former first-round pick Leighton Vander Esch is still the top dog at this position for Dallas, but given this position group's previous health concerns, I'd say the Cowboys could be on the lookout for some depth options here.

9. Running Backs

• Tony Pollard
• Rico Dowdle
• Deuce Vaughn
• Hunter Luepke

I am a huge Tony Pollard fan and have been since he came into the league, but the pressure will be on in 2023 for a variety of reasons. The Cowboys put their faith in Pollard as the RB1 by saying goodbye to Ezekiel Elliott. They didn't draft anyone until Deuce Vaughn in the sixth round. The way carries are split in Dallas this year will be fascinating.

Rico Dowdle has done virtually nothing in the NFL to this point, but I really like the upside of Vaughn and Luepke, two rookies who showed out in the preseason. I think we'll see Pollard get the lion's share of touches in 2023 but don't be shocked if Vaughn and Luepke both have really good seasons as role players. They could be steals for the Cowboys.