Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Dallas Cowboys
Not many Dallas Cowboys fans seemed too thrilled with the selection of Leighton Vander Esch in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. This wasn’t a knock on the Boise State linebacker so much as it was desperation for a wide receiver. However, Dallas felt like there wasn’t another player comparable to LVE later in the draft, but they did feel they could get another receiver later.
As far as Vander Esch is concerned, they were right about him. He’s been a complete monster and even made a play on Sunday Night Football to kill a drive against the Philadelphia Eagles — which had a lot to do with them getting the win.
He’s not just a flash in the pan either as Vander Esch in ninth in the NFL in tackles with 76 credited according to NFL.com. What makes that number more impressive is the Cowboys refuse to make him a full-time starter. He’s spent most the season backing up Sean Lee, which could hurt him in a bid for the Pro Bowl.
This could change if Lee stays sidelined and Vander Esch keeps playing like he did Sunday Night, but if not, his team could be holding back one of the better young linebackers in the game.