Dallas Cowboys: Final 53-man roster prediction for 2021

Dallas Cowboys Linebackers (6)

Micah Parsons, Jaylon Smith, Leighton Vander Esch, Keanu Neal, Jabril Cox, Luke Gifford

There’s one name on this list that shouldn’t be. Jaylon Smith is easily the most overpaid player currently wearing the star on his helmet, and with some of the contracts out there, that’s saying something.

He took a nosedive when it comes to effectiveness after landing his extension and he seems completely lost on the field. Dallas was hopeful a new defensive staff would be able to get him in a better position to succeed, but instead, he looks to be a near-$10 million albatross who will be forced onto the field by a team owner who thinks he’s a general manager.

But I digress, the other two starters are solid. Micah Parsons has proven during the preseason to be as good as advertised and Leighton Vander Esch is a baller who has been hampered by injuries.

Keanu Neal started out slow in camp but since the light bulb came on following his move from safety to linebacker, he’s been fantastic. He should be starting and if they come to their senses and trade Smith (take a bag of potato chips if you have to in order to get the deal done Jerry) he would be in the lineup and they would be better.

Another rookie to make the roster is Jabril Cox who was known for his coverage but has also stepped up as a run defender in the preseason. Lastly, there’s Luke Gifford who has been great on special teams and also improved in the base defense this year.