The Dallas Cowboys parted ways with linebacker Leighton Vander Esch just three days before he announced his retirement due to neck issues. Although they signed veteran Eric Kendricks the day before to combat the loss, the Cowboys still needed more. In the third round of the NFL draft they took Marist Liufau out of Notre Dame.
The Honolulu, Hawaii native came into league with the reputation of being a guy who played with tremendous aggression as well as an incredible short-area burst once he diagnoses plays. However, the Cowboys were set to get back DeMarvion Overshown, plus they also had Damone Clark on the roster, a player looking to take the next step in his development.