When Dallas selected Jabril Cox with the No. 115 pick in the 2020 draft, the draft community rejoiced. The former LSU linebacker was regarded by many as the best coverage LB in the class, whose strengths and versatility were a perfect match for the current professional game.
At 6-foot-3, 233 pounds, Cox was built like a safety-linebacker hybrid. Using him as a coverage chess piece, LSU deployed Cox a number of different ways, including in the box, on the defensive line, in the slot and even split out at cornerback. If offseason work can be seen as a precursor to the regular season, Dallas may finally be getting what they envisioned in Cox as a draft prospect.
When targeted through the air, Cox allowed a staggeringly low passer rating of 57. Getting him in the fourth round seemed like nothing short of grand larceny.
Jabril Cox: 91.3 career coverage grade from the slot
2nd-highest of any #NFLDraft defender 🔐
PFF’s Best Player Available:https://t.co/xJrllHeUey pic.twitter.com/Mgy7DaFKyN
— PFF (@PFF) May 1, 2021
Yet, all the excitement would have to wait. An ACL injury in October of 2021 put an abrupt end to his promising rookie season. It set him on the long rehabilitation path that stretched into his second year.
Now entering Year 3, it seems as though Cox is ready to pick up where he left off his rookie season.
During the two-minute end-of-game situation for second team, LB Jabril Cox broke up an end-zone pass to set up fourth and goal. Teammates caused a brief delay when crowding Cox in celebration. They became louder when, on fourth down, Cox broke up another EZ pass to win game.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) June 6, 2023
As The Draft Network’s Joe Marino detailed in his pre-draft scouting report, “Cox has outstanding spatial awareness and instincts in coverage.” Those were both on full display in minicamp, with Cox flashing in back-to-back red zone plays.
If Cox can continue to show his coverage savvy over the summer, he may be able to carve out a big role in 2023. The Cowboys regularly churn through their LB room throughout the course of a season and only Leighton Vander Esch and Damone Clark stand clearly ahead of Cox on the depth chart.
The battle for LB3 in 2023 will likely consist of Cox, Devin Harper and the rookie DeMarvion Overshown. If Cox can keep flashing the big plays in coverage and prove consistency in run fits he’ll likely have the inside track.
It’s prove-it time for the Cowboys 2021 draft class and Cox undoubtedly headline’s that list. Early returns are optimistic making Cox an exciting player to watch when training camp opens in Oxnard.
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