Determining which of the Cowboys linebackers are best suited for each role on Mike Zimmer’s defense
It is going to be very interesting to see how Mike Zimmers uses his linebackers.
After an offseason where several key players left in free agency, the Dallas Cowboys have many things to sort out. The offensive line should look a lot different, they will have a new lead running back, and who knows how the defensive line arrangement will shake out. As we said, lots of things to sort out.
One position group that has taken on a major overhaul is the linebacker group. Leighton Vander Esch is gone after just six years in the league as he continued to deal with neck issues that forced him into retirement. And last year’s safety-turned-linebacker, Markquese Bell, appears to be returning to safety. This leaves third-year player Damone Clark as the team’s only incumbent linebacker, but even his new role is unclear after the changing of defensive coordinators which now features Mike Zimmer running the show. The Cowboys have a lot of questions at this position.
Despite entering his third season in the NFL, Clark now has seniority at linebacker when it comes to playing with the Cowboys because there are a lot of new players joining the squad. The team’s biggest free agent signing was veteran Eric Kendricks who played for Zimmer in Minnesota. They also used a third-round draft pick to select Notre Dame’s Marist Liufau. And last year’s third-round selection, DeMarvion Overshown, has yet to make his NFL debut as he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the preseason of last year. The Cowboys have three new additions who join Clark, but which of these guys will see the bulk of the action, and who is playing where?
The transition from Dan Quinn to Zimmer means the Cowboys will see a lot more base 4-3-4 looks with three linebackers on the field instead of the frequently employed 4-2-5 look that Quinn used which only featured two linebackers while going heavy at safety. With this change, which players are best suited for these three linebacker spots? Before we get into the players, let’s quickly review the roles and traits of each linebacker position.
Middle Linebacker (MIKE)
Call them the processors, as they are the quarterbacks of the defense. They usually receive calls from the coaches as the green dot helmet wearers. They are smart and will make pre-snap adjustments, getting everyone situated on the field. They are versatile players and usually very solid across the board, including being effective at tackling, coverage, and rushing the passer when needed. MIKE linebackers are typically three-down players.
Strong-side Linebacker (SAM)
These guys are the fighters. They are usually bigger, stronger, and willing to take on blocks. They need to be strong tacklers as these guys will need to bring ball carries down even though they won’t always have clean looks due to maneuvering through traffic. They’ll take on pass-rushing responsibilities, but won’t drop back in coverage very much. These guys do the dirty work.
Weak-side Linebacker (WILL)
This group is called the chasers. They are smaller, faster, and usually the most athletic of the linebackers. They are used in pass coverage a lot and will cover the running backs in the flat. They have sideline-to-sideline speed to keep the RBs from getting past the edge and will oftentimes have less traffic to deal with, but farther to run. They will sometimes be used as a blitzer.
With the positions defined, where does it make the most sense to play the guys the Cowboys have on the roster? To answer that, we need to take a close look at each of these player's strengths and weaknesses.
Eric Kendricks - The MIKE
This one is the easiest to sort out. Kendricks is a veteran linebacker who has made a career out of doing a little bit of everything. He knows Zimmer’s system the best, so being the communicator of the group feels like a no-brainer. He’s held that position for most of his career, and letting the younger guys do most of the hitting and chasing makes a lot more sense. Barring injury to his 32-year-old body, we might as well lock this one in.
DeMarvion Overshown - The WILL
We are moving to the weak-side linebacker next because it contains the next-best player fit. Overshown is the Cowboys' most athletic linebacker. He has great speed, he’s effective in coverage, and he can mix in some surprise blitzes. He’s also a little on the smaller side, doesn’t attack blocks, and is better served as a free-shot tackler versus trying to shed blocks. Upon a clean bill of health, Overshown should be the prime candidate to fill this role on the defense.
Damone Clark - The SAM
This leaves one linebacker spot remaining and it should start out going to Clark. It should be noted that he’s not the ideal candidate for this spot, but rather the most logical choice for the Cowboys. He’s bigger, he’s a physical player, and he's decent at shedding blocks. His processing isn’t strong and he’s not the best coverage linebacker.
Marist Liufau - The RESERVE
So where does that leave the rookie? Going off of traits, Liufau is best suited for the MIKE linebacker position. He’s extremely smart and has very good field awareness. He sees things pre-snap, plays with violence, and is a good tackler. He can be a little overzealous at times taking the cheese, but this is where playing behind Kendricks will be huge. Ideally, he would learn behind the veteran during his rookie season and then replace him next year. Of course, that’s not to say he doesn’t see the field a good amount in 2024. He could very well challenge Clark for the SAM spot or even play the WILL if Overshown is not fully healthy. Liufau is a versatile player who could wear multiple hats despite being a rookie.
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