Dallas Cowboys: 5 Players to watch vs. Seahawks in Week 3
5. Leighton Vander Esch
The first-round rookie for the Dallas Cowboys, Leighton Vander Esch has played in both of the games thus far this season, and his snaps have increased from Week 1 to Week 2.
FootballGuys.com have Vander Esch playing in 17 plays (25 percent) in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers and 28 plays in Week 2 (41 percent) against the New York Giants.
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In those two games, Vander Esch — who was the 19th overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft — has 10 combined tackles, including seven last Sunday night against the Giants. For the handful of plays he been in on the Cowboys defense, Vander Esch has produced nicely.
Most likely, there are more good things to come from the Boise State product as the 6-4, 255-pound linebacker is still learning, and he has some great teachers on the defense to show him the way to success.
On the current Cowboys depth chart listed by OurLads.com, Vander Esch is behind Jaylon Smith at middle linebacker, so right now that seems like a good spot as he continues his progression. When Vander Esch has been in the line, he’s helped to make a difference, and he’ll be needed in this game against the Seahawks for his contributions will most likely increase as the season continues.