Dallas Cowboys: Ezekiel Elliott, players to watch vs. Eagles in Week 10

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 05: Amari Cooper #19 of the Dallas Cowboys makes a pass reception against Malcolm Butler #21 and Kevin Byard #31 of the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on November 05, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 14: Leighton Vander Esch #55 of the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

3. Leighton Vander Esch

Rookie linebacker Leighton Vander Esch will be needed big time this week as Sean Lee is recovering from a hamstring injury, and now it is time for Vander Esch to step up and show why the Dallas Cowboys drafted him in the first round.

So far this season, Vander Esch has 63 total tackles in eight games with 48 of those tackles being solo. Vander Esch also has two passes defensed and one tackle for a loss. Vander Esch is the future of the Cowboys linebackers, but with Lee being injured for the next few games, it is time for Vander Esch to really step up his game as he’ll need to stand out for the Cowboys if they want to gain a win over the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday.

Pro Football Focus (subscription required) has Vander Esch graded at 82.1 during the first nine weeks of NFL play and for an individual game Vander Esch’s highest grade came against the Houston Texans where he had a grade of 83.9.

What has been good for Vander Esch in his rookie season Is the fact he’s been able to learn under Lee and play alongside Jaylon Smith as he continues to become accustomed to the NFL game, which he’s doing pretty well.

For more grades, advanced statistics and more at Pro Football Focus, subscribe to PFF’s EDGE or ELITE subscriptions at ProFootballFocus.com.

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