In 2018, the Dallas Cowboys thought they were set at linebacker for years to come. Jaylon Smith was the sixth-ranked linebacker in the league according to PFF. He anchored the middle linebacker position for the majority of the season and would be named to a Pro Bowl one year later.
Leighton Vander Esch took no time introducing himself to the league. As the fifth-ranked LB in 2018 according to Pro Football Focus, he was not only named to the Pro Bowl but was a second-team All-Pro player. The future was bright for the Cowboys' young linebacking corps.