NFL.com | 2018 Forecast: Best-case/worst-case for 11 defensive rookies (LVE)

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Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Dallas Cowboys
No. 19 overall pick, Round 1, Boise State


Best-case scenario: LVE joins Sean Lee and Jaylon Smith on the second level to give the 'Boys an explosive trio at linebacker. The 6-4, 256-pounder has the size, length and athleticism to thrive as the "deep-middle runner" in their Tampa-2 scheme. In addition, he displays the sideline-to-sideline quickness to create problems for opponents attempting to run the ball to the edges.

Worst-case scenario: The NFL's trend toward passing out of "10" (1 RB and 4 WRs) and "11" (1 RB, 1 TE and 3 WRs) personnel groupings could force the Cowboys to keep No. 55 on the sideline in obvious passing situations, unless he wins a job in the team's nickel package. While it's very likely LVE lands on one of the Cowboys' sub-packages, the NFL's pass-happy nature might prevent the team from putting its "best 11" on the field in key moments.

Projected stats: 55 tackles, two interceptions, six passes defensed, two sacks and a forced fumble.

 

[theoneandonly]

I am worried about the worst case scenario, hopefully he shoves it up my ass. I do think Williams ends up a home run though.

 

[TheZoneSucks]

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Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Dallas Cowboys
No. 19 overall pick, Round 1, Boise State


Best-case scenario: LVE joins Sean Lee and Jaylon Smith on the second level to give the 'Boys an explosive trio at linebacker. The 6-4, 256-pounder has the size, length and athleticism to thrive as the "deep-middle runner" in their Tampa-2 scheme. In addition, he displays the sideline-to-sideline quickness to create problems for opponents attempting to run the ball to the edges.

Worst-case scenario: The NFL's trend toward passing out of "10" (1 RB and 4 WRs) and "11" (1 RB, 1 TE and 3 WRs) personnel groupings could force the Cowboys to keep No. 55 on the sideline in obvious passing situations, unless he wins a job in the team's nickel package. While it's very likely LVE lands on one of the Cowboys' sub-packages, the NFL's pass-happy nature might prevent the team from putting its "best 11" on the field in key moments.

Projected stats: 55 tackles, two interceptions, six passes defensed, two sacks and a forced fumble.

I'd be happy with the underlined part. That's more than we could expect each season from Carr or Claiborne, and this guy isn't even a DB.

 

[Rynie]

hopefully he shoves it up my ass.

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