Dallas Cowboys Draft Target: Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Linebacker

With the 2017 NFL Draft just around the corner the Dallas Cowboys could look to go in several directions, including linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin

The Dallas Cowboys have some needs on defense, that’s no surprise. They won 13 games last season, but did so on the strength of their offense. Ultimately, they were able to mask what was a really average group on the defensive side of the ball.

So far, the moves they have made to shore things up in free agency have been minimal. That means they most likely are comfortable heading into the draft to address the areas of need for them. One of the biggest areas they should address happens to be the linebacker spot.

Of course, the Boys themselves are making this seem like a non-issue. They want the world to believe that 2016 second-round pick Jaylon Smith from Notre Dame is full strength after spending all of last season trying to rehab his knee. The problem is, despite his good looking workout videos, Smith still doesn’t have full nerve regeneration in his injured knee. That means any production they get from him is going to be a bonus and they should plan as if they have one legitimate starter in Pro Bowler Sean Lee.

To try and get Lee some more help, Dallas could look to Tennessee’s Jalen Reeves-Maybin. The Volunteer’s defensive leader from the past few seasons was a playmaking machine in the SEC. He recorded more than 100 tackles in both 2014 and 2015 before a shoulder injury cut short his final season in Knoxville.

The Numbers:

Height: 6-0
Weight: 230 Pounds
Career Tackles: 240
Career Sacks: 8
Career Interceptions: 1
Best Season of His Career: 105 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles (2015)

Thanks to his shorter stature and injury issues in 2016, there are concerns about him at the next level. As the injury goes, Reeves-Maybin didn’t have a long history of problems but rather just poor timing as it happened in his senior season. His size, though, seems to be giving more pause.

According to Alex Martin Smith of SEC Country there is even a belief that Reeves-Maybin could be moved to safety by some teams. The former four-star recruit isn’t sweating that though:

"“I’ll continue to do what I did my whole career,” Reeves-Maybin said. “Being smart. I always take advantage of my mental abilities. Being able to know the game and staying ahead that way. At the combine, I’ll have to put my best performance on the field. It’s been awhile since people have seen me out there.”"

In Dallas, the size doesn’t seem like it would be an issue. Currently they have players who aren’t much bigger than Reeves-Maybin manning their starting spot. Sean Lee is listed at 6-2 and 238 pounds, Anthony Hitchens is 6-0 and 235 pounds and they split time with Damien Wilson (6-1, 243 pounds) and Justin Durant (6-1, 230 pounds) as well.

With Wilson being their only heavily rotated linebacker over 240 pounds, JRM should be just fine. As for measuring in at just 6-0, it hasn’t hurt Hitchens, who has recorded 220 tackles in three seasons since being selected in the fourth round back in 2014.

Must Read: Richard Sherman: 5 Possible Trade Destinations for Cornerback

Jalen Reeves-Maybin to Dallas just makes sense. He can play all three linebacker spots—which can be said about Lee, Hitchens, Wilson and Durant as well—which the team covets. He also was the signal caller for the Volunteers and brings incredible football knowledge. On top of that, he is an incredible talent who could be available in the mid rounds.

Home/Dallas Cowboys