Dallas Cowboys: 5 Best players under 25 on the roster
4. Leighton Vander Esch, LB
The Dallas Cowboys’ first-round pick in 2018, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch wasted little time making a big impact on the defense in his first season with the team. He was a versatile threat at the position who moved all over the field well, finishing the year with 140 combined tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions and seven passes defended en route to a Pro Bowl selection.
Unfortunately, Vander Esch’s second season in Dallas was less inspiring. He was limited to only nine games due to a neck injury and, while he still racked up 72 tackles, health was an obvious issue for him throughout the year.
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Now coming into his third NFL season, the Cowboys hope and believe the linebacker is healthy and should be able to recapture his previous form. His health is the only reason he’s No. 4 on this list, though as, if he’s on the field, he can be a big-time presence for this defense.
3. Tony Pollard, RB
Having a backup running back at No. 3 on a list of the best players under 25 years old speaks to the embarrassment of riches that the Dallas Cowboys have on offense. Of course, it also speaks to the talent that Tony Pollard possesses.
A 2019 fourth-round pick out of Memphis, Pollard played spot duty behind Ezekiel Elliott as a rookie but flashed every time he got an opportunity. He finished the season with 86 carries for 455 yards and two touchdowns along with 15 receptions for 107 yards and a score. That includes two 100-yard outings in Weeks 3 and 13.
With the arrival of new head coach Mike McCarthy, the offense should take a step forward, which should mean a bigger role for Pollard simply to get the dynamic playmaker more touches. The 2020 season could be a big year for the young running back.