The Dallas Cowboys have a good problem on their hands. Last year, when Sean Lee wasn’t on the field, their defense was bad. Like, really bad. So, they went out and drafted Leighton Vander Esch, a middle linebacker with Lee-like qualities. They also have Jaylon Smith, a guy that missed his rookie year after a gruesome knee injury, and played admirably, albeit inconsistently, during his comeback season.
With Smith looking close to 100 percent, the Cowboys now have three explosive linebackers. But in today’s NFL, it’s a rarity to see all three linebackers on the field in the same time, as the nickel package has basically become the new base defense.