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Predicting Dallas Cowboys 2020 depth chart: Linebackers

By Randy Gurzi

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 17: Jaylon Smith #54 and Leighton Vander Esch #55 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate a third down stop during the second quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on November 17, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 17: Jaylon Smith #54 and Leighton Vander Esch #55 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate a third down stop during the second quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on November 17, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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Dallas Cowboys (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Dallas Cowboys linebackers: The Starters

Leighton Vander Esch

There has to be some concern about Leighton Vander Esch heading into the 2020 season after he missed seven games with a neck injury last year. While injuries are common in the NFL, LVE came out of Boise State with concerns about his neck and while the Cowboys medical staff said all looked good, there were still some whispers his neck could be a long-term issue.

Dallas seems to be under the impression that he’s back to 100 percent health and they even have a plan to help him improve in 2020 — moving him to middle linebacker. This seems like a natural fit for Vander Esch and it will only help him take the next step as an NFL star — again, provided he can stay healthy.

Jaylon Smith

In moving Vander Esch to middle linebacker, that means Jaylon Smith will also move as the team’s current MIKE will move to the outside. This is a move designed to get the most out of Smith’s disruptive abilities, especially when it comes to rushing the passer.

Smith is one of the more versatile defenders Dallas has and moving him from the middle to the outside will allow him to play more instinctively and new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan will also blitz the quarterback with Smith more often.

Look for him to shake off a frustrating season and make the most out of this move.

Sean Lee

Entering 2020 as a free agent, there was talk Sean Lee could leave the Cowboys. In the end, he decided to stay and took a team-friendly deal.

While Lee isn’t the same player he was earlier in his career, he showed in 2019 that he can still take over games. Lee moved into Leighton Vander Esch’s spot when he was injured and he performed incredibly well, reminding fans he still can get it done.

Lee’s role in 2020 will be a smaller one, provided Smith and LVE stay healthy. Still, his experience and ability to play any linebacker position is invaluable — and it’s a safe bet that he will be asked to make a few plays to help this defense in 2020.

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