At this time last year, fans of the Dallas Cowboys had their doubts about Boise State linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. Despite having more pressing needs, specifically at wide receiver following the release of Dez Bryant, the Cowboys made Vander Esch their first-round selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, 19th overall.
And despite the fact the team’s desperate need at receiver would force the Cowboys to trade away their 2019 first-rounder to the Oakland Raiders’ for Amari Cooper midseason, the play of Vander Esch has since vindicated the high selection.
Leading the team with 140 combined tackles as a rookie, Vander Esch emerged as one of the top defenders in the NFL last season.