Cowboys’ DeMarvion Overshown’s lost season, 2024 fit, and long-term outlook

The Cowboys most promising rookie was lost before the season began but there’s reason for optimism going forward even if the path is unclear, says @ReidDHanson.

DeMarvion Overshown’s professional career barely off the ground before an ACL injury in the preseason landed the third-round pick on season-ending IR. Up until that moment, things were looking up for the linebacker out of Texas.

Overshown was often seen of as a man without a position in college. Bouncing between safety and linebacker, Overshown appeared to be a hybrid of sorts. He was a football player, without question, but scouts were split on what role exactly he’d play in the NFL.

His 6-foot-3 229-pound frame allowed him to exist in multiple capacities, and the Cowboys had a growing reputation for making it work with nontraditionally built box players.

Despite his relatively lean frame and previous experience at the safety position, Overshown played like a true thumper in Cowboys camp. He exploded to holes, attacking his run fits like a man with a grudge.

His sideline-to-sideline acumen translated perfectly to the pro game. He didn’t look like a rookie adapting to the speed of the competition in any way. In fact, his speed popped off the screen in training camp and preseason action.

A rookie in name only, Overshown immediately upgraded the overall IQ of the defense. He had a veteran sense to him that made him a leader on the field, coaching staff darling, and fan favorite. Overshown was even taking turns wearing the green dot, which indicates he was relaying defensive plays on the field.

For a player who never saw the field in the regular season, the hype was enormous, but seemingly justified.