NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

NFL Draft 2018: 5 Teams that improved the most for this season

By Michael Johnson

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Marvin Lewis of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Marvin Lewis of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next

Dallas Cowboys 

America’s Team went into the draft with a lot of questions and came out with a few answers. The Dallas Cowboys’ success on the defensive side of the ball will come on the backs of their excellent linebacker corps that got a major boost from Boise State’s Leighton Vander Esch.

Similarly to Rolando McClain, who the Cowboys had in 2014-15, Vander Esch is a huge force in the middle at 6-4, 256 pounds. His excellent athleticism and feel for zone defense makes him versatile. He’s a take-on backer who also slips blocks and can be used in blitz packages. Pairing him with Sean Lee and Jaylon Smith makes them a balanced and scary unit. I wouldn’t be surprised if Vander Esch led the team in tackles in his rookie season.

Another rookie hero will be wide receiver Michael Gallup who is a fantastic get in the third round. He’s long and can really stick his foot in dirt and superset at the top of routes. He has great quickness and solid speed with the potential to be a fantastic route runner similar to Greg Jennings. With Dez Bryant gone and the other question marks at receiver, Gallup could be used early.

Next: NFL 2018: Best uniform for all 32 teams

These two players will play major roles for the Cowboys during the 2018 NFL season and will be part of the reason why they experience success. 

Home/NFL Draft