Philadelphia Eagles: Ranking the off-ball linebackers of the NFC East
1. Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have invested heavily in their off-ball linebacking corps, and it shows. They have more viable NFL inside linebackers than they have positions to play them at, and even with Jaylon Smith released midway through the 2021 season, the team was able to reload in both the draft and in free agency with the retention of Leighton Vander Esch and the selections of Damone Clark and Devin Harper.
Factor in players like Jabril Cox, who didn’t make much of an impact in 2021 but could fill a more expansive in 2022, and you’re left with a really good unit who should provide fantastic utility for Dan Campbell’s defense, especially with a certain first-round pick out of Penn State on the roster too.
Most important performer: Micah Parsons
Wait, wasn’t Micah Parsons also the player to watch in the Dallas Cowboys’ edge rushing list too? Why yes, yes he was, and for good reason: Parsons is really, really good, and he plays a hybrid role that is just as dangerous when deployed from the second level of the defense as the first.
Parsons is big enough to match up with opposing tight ends, fast enough to man up on the slot wide receivers, and has the perfect blend of speed and power needed to be a disruptive rushing force both against the run and the pass no matter where he’s deployed from. Any time number 11 is on the field, opposing quarterbacks have to take note.
Next. Nakobe Dean is already carrying himself like a pro. dark
Which team in the NFC East do you think has the best linebacking corps? Let us know!