10 linebackers Dallas Cowboys could target in 2016 NFL Draft
By Jon Machota , Staff Writer
Linebacker isn't the Cowboys' biggest need, but they could use another young playmaker in the mix. Depending on what happens with Rolando McClain, an unrestricted free agent, middle linebacker could be the spot they target in the early rounds.
With Sean Lee turning in his first Pro Bowl season, it's highly unlikely he'll be playing anything other than weakside linebacker in 2o16.
As far as depth at the position, Anthony Hitchens, Andrew Gachkar, Damien Wilson and Mark Nzeocha are still under contract. Kyle Wilber is an unrestricted free agent.
Here are 10 linebackers the Cowboys could consider when they're drafting in April.
1.) Myles Jack, UCLA. Regarded by most as the top linebacker in this class. His unique athleticism and play-making ability has caused several mock drafts to project him to the Cowboys at No. 4. If he were the pick, Jack would likely become the team's starting middle linebacker.
Expert: "The Cowboys defense needs help at each level, including at linebacker, especially with the futures of Rolando McClain (free agent) and Sean Lee (injuries) in doubt. Although currently sidelined with a knee injury, Jack has top-10 talent if his rehab is on track." -- Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com
2.) Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame. If not for a serious left knee injury suffered in the Fiesta Bowl, Smith might have been the first linebacker drafted in April. Despite the injury, Smith is expected to be ready to play in 2016. He had surgery last month to repair his ACL and MCL.
Expert: "He's fast, athletic, instinctive and versatile. He can close quickly against the run and shows very good athletic ability and speed in coverage. ... A lot will really depend on how the docs see the repair and recovery." -- AFC college scouting director, who said the lowest he could see Smith falling is to No. 18, via NFL.com's Albert Breer.
3.) Reggie Ragland, Alabama. The SEC Defensive Player of the Year led the national champion Crimson Tide with 97 tackles, 6.5 for loss, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, seven pass breakups and six quarterback hurries. He played weakside linebacker in 2014 and moved to middle linebacker for the 2015 season.
Expert: "Thumping inside linebacker with throwback size and tone*setting mentality. Ragland is a confident and capable early starter in league who has the temperament to become one of the premier run*-stopping inside linebackers in the pro game. Ragland has some coverage and speed limitations, but his instincts and overall awareness should be able to mask those issues." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
4.) Darron Lee, Ohio State. Lee, a two-year starter at Ohio State, had 81 tackles, 16.5 for loss, 7.5 sacks and two interceptions for the 2014 national champs. During that season, Lee took over for Ryan Shazier at strongside linebacker. Shazier, the 15th overall pick in 2014, came off the board right before the Cowboys were going to select him at No. 16.
Expert: "A former high school quarterback, Lee is a terrific athlete and a natural playmaker, racking up 27.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 3 INTs and 3 forced fumbles over his past two seasons. He's still developing as a run-stopping LB, but he has come a long way in that regard." -- Todd McShay, ESPN
5.) Joshua Perry, Ohio State. A tackling machine for the Buckeyes, Perry recorded 298 tackles in his four years in Columbus. Perry was on the Senior Bowl's North team, which was coached by the Cowboys, but he only participated in one day of practice because of a groin injury.
Expert: "When discussing the top NFL prospects on Ohio State's roster, Perry is rarely among the first names mentioned and that's understandable considering he plays in a defensive front-seven with first round talents like Joey Bosa, Adolphus Washington and Darron Lee. But he deserves more attention for his outstanding senior season and scheme-diverse skill-set that will be in high demand by NFL teams." -- Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com
Next 5 (in alphabetical order):
Dominique Alexander, Oklahoma
Kentrell Brothers, Missouri
Deion Jones, LSU
Nick Kwiatkoski, West Virginia
Tyler Matakevich, Temple