1. LB Leighton Vander Esch
Maybe most missed in 2019 were the echoes of Wolf Hunter calls ringing throughout AT&T Stadium. Leighton Vander Esch’s sophomore season was a far cry from his Pro Bowl caliber rookie year, as the Dallas defense seemed like it was missing another playmaking presence to help carry the load.
Appearing in only nine games, Vander Esch recorded 68 fewer tackles and two fewer interceptions than he did in 2018. Sean Lee filled in admirably, but it just wasn’t the same as having Vander Esch patrol the field alongside Jaylon Smith and company. Ideally, the 23-year-old is able to return fully in 2020, which the Cowboys have been hopeful of. But the nature of Vander Esch’s injury is hard to ignore.
Questions about Vander Esch’s longterm health followed him throughout the draft process, but Dallas is known for taking risks and being patient with these types of players. Recently, Vander Esch underwent “non-invasive” neck surgery in attempt to address the symptoms which ended his season. Vander Esch suffers from cervical spinal stenosis, but Dallas believes the condition to be manageable, and that he’ll be a full-go for training camp. Given how the defense fared without him, the Cowboys’ ultimate fate in 2020 may depend on a Vander Esch bounce back.
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