Tag: Jabril Cox

Which Cowboys’ upside is greater, Jabril Cox or Jalen Tolbert?

Both have disappointed since being drafted with the label of steal. Which of the two youngsters would have a bigger impact if they pan out in 2023? @cdpiglet compares.

During their respective draft years, linebacker Jabril Cox and wide receiver Jalen Tolbert both had Cowboys team insiders claiming Dallas had interested in each of them at least a round before they were eventually drafted.

During every draft, fans and scouts alike apply the label of draft-day steal pretty liberally. Insert any prospect picked near the end of the third round or later and there’ll be traits to claim will help the prospect develop into a starter. However whether it was due to injury or other factors, neither have made any real impact on the field.

Can things change in 2023? Tolbert has looked good early in camp and Cox seems healthy finally, but they need to practice well enough to earn snaps when it actually counts. They each are fighting their own battles, but what happens when they are pitted against each other?

If the Cowboys could only have one of the two options breakout, would Cox making the third-year jump be more impactful than if Tolbert became the clear fourth receiver?

Cowboys LB Jabril Cox on way to rebound season in 2023

The Dallas Cowboys have questions at linebacker and Jabril Cox hopes to rebound from a disappointing season to be the defenses answer. | From @BenGrimaldi

Most Dallas Cowboys observers don’t believe the team has much depth at the linebacker position. Heading into this past week’s mandatory minicamp, the feeling was the depth chart was limited to starting LBs Leighton Vander Esch and Damone Clark, but third-year man Jabril Cox is out to change that perception.

While the chart has All-Pro Micah Parsons’ position is at LB, he does far more work on the defensive line than he does at the second level. When the Cowboys are looking for another traditional option, Cox is letting it be known he’s deserving of more playing time. In his first chance to make an impression on the field this offseason, the former LSU product made the most of his opportunity. The Cowboys held their first minicamp practice on Tuesday, and it was Cox who stood out.

It had to be satisfying for Cox, who was on track to becoming a contributor in Dan Quinn’s defense before he tore his ACL in October of the 2021 season. As a rookie, Cox earned his way onto the field with his speed and ability to play special teams.

Although he had just two tackles in his first year, Cox did make an impression when he stopped New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones short on a third-and-goal run. The hit kept the Giants out of the end zone and knocked Jones out of the game. Two games later, Cox got hurt and missed the rest of the season.

With the ACL injury occurring in October, it felt like Cox would be ready to pick up where he left off and improve in his second year. It never happened. Cox remained a core special teams player, but had just 36 defensive snaps on the year.

Another year removed from surgery and hope is springing eternal for Cox again. The Cowboys drafted him in the fourth round because of his athleticism and coverage ability. After transferring to LSU, Cox had three interceptions and five passes defensed in his only season in Baton Rouge. Cox’s work in the first minicamp practice proves that he’s still up to the task now that he’s healthy.

There also isn’t much standing in Cox’s path to playing time. He likely isn’t going to unseat Vander Esch or Clark as starters, but the third-year LB could find a role as a valuable sub. And with Vander Esch’s injury history and Clark’s surgically-repaired back, it might not be long until the Cowboys need a quality option to play meaningful snaps.

Cox’ main competition for snaps will be second-year man Devin Harper and rookie DeMarvion Overshown, who was a third-round selection in April’s draft. Overshown and Cox are near carbon-copies of each other, being almost the exact height and weight, and both excel in coverage.

The Cowboys also use safeties Jayron Kearse and Donovan Wilson close to the line of scrimmage. That may take some of Cox’ opportunities away, but he can earn his snaps by playing well in the camps (minicamp and July’s full training camp) and in the preseason.

If Cox can build on his quick start, he could be on his way to rebounding from a disappointing sophomore season where he wasn’t healthy or good enough warrant playing time. Last year appears to be in the review for Cox, who might be showing he’s the third man up on Dallas’ LB rotation.

You can chat with or follow Ben on twitter @BenGrimaldi

Jabril Cox flashing in Cowboys minicamp, could demand big role in 2023

An ACL injury slowed his breakout but heading into Year 3 Cox is flashing the traits that made him a Cowboys draft darling, says @ReidDHanson

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.

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.

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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DeMarvion Overshown matches a familiar LB profile for Cowboys

This isn’t the first time the Cowboys drafted a linebacker like DeMarvion Overshown, says @ReidDHanson. Just a couple years ago Dallas drafted a similar one.

Sensing a shift in the NFL game where offenses use dynamic running backs and tight ends to create mismatches downfield, the Cowboys are targeting a different kind of linebacker these days.

Those stoutly-built, downhill run-stuffers of old are largely a thing of the past. In today’s pro game, linebackers must possess lateral mobility, spatial awareness and a fluid lower body capable of keeping up with the diverse attacks offensive coordinators throw at them. So it should be of no surprise the Cowboys used a mid-round draft pick to bring in a hybrid linebacker who thrives in coverage and playing in space.

Measuring 6-foot-3, 232 pounds, this young linebacker earned a reputation at one of the most prominent football schools in the land as a leader and playmaker. He was fast, loose-hipped, and fluid in coverage. He could play sideline to sideline and handle nearly any coverage match-up from the slot.

The year was 2021 and the player was Jabril Cox.

It’s safe to say there are some similarities between the linebacker Dallas drafted in 2021 and the one they drafted in 2023. Picked in the third round, University of Texas’ DeMarvion Overshown picks up right where Cox’s profile left off.

Overshown, 6-foot-3, 229 pounds, is a highly athletic safety-turned-linebacker. He plays with tremendous range and is comfortable in space vs the run and pass. He’s extremely athletic and fluid in his movements, allowing him to keep up with RBs, TEs and even WRs.

Overshown packs more punch as a pass-rusher, but generally speaking, he’s a very similar profile to Cox, who was drafted just two years before. Where might the rookie play in 2023?

Speaking to 105.3 The Fan, Will McClay broke down his expectations for his rookie LB out of Texas.

“WILL (weakside) linebacker type,” McClay said of Overshown. “One of the things you look for is finding guys who can match up athletically with tight ends and receivers.”

Dallas hasn’t given up on Cox, but they have yet to see him develop into the player they thought he would when they picked him in the fourth round. He’s had trouble picking up some of the assignments in Dan Quinn’s defense and has had his share of bad luck regarding injuries, tearing his ACL in 2021.

2023 could easily be seen as a make-or-break season for Cox considering the Cowboys just added a player like Overshown who fits his same profile and might even offer a bit more.

According to PFF tracking data, Cox logged most of his snaps at MIKE last season (the same position Leighton Vander Esch plays). But Cox’s profile arguably fits the WILL position best so there is a good chance Cox will compete with Overshown over the same role in 2023.

Given the lack of depth at the LB position, both players can easily fit on the Cowboys roster in 2023.  But if Cox doesn’t establish himself early in camp, he could easy get leapfrogged by Overshown on the depth chart.

Dallas has a type they’ve been hunting for in recent drafts. They’ve been looking for the next generation of LB who thrives in coverage. Hitting on one of their two prospects could go a long way in eliminating some advantages teams like San Francisco and the Eagles have had over them.

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2 tight ends, LB Jabril Cox among Cowboys ‘dinged’ during Tuesday’s practice

Cox, Jake Ferguson, and Jeremy Sprinkle were all held out of Tuesday’s work with minor injuries. None are considered serious concerns. | From @ToddBrock24f7

Monday’s padded practice was costly for the Cowboys, who lost wide receiver James Washington to a foot fracture and got a bit of a scare when safety Jayron Kearse came down wrong.

Short of cocooning players in the proverbial bubble wrap, there’s no way to eliminate injuries from football, and even practice sessions have coaches, players, trainers, and fans alike holding their breath.

Tuesday, thankfully, didn’t add any major concerns to the injury report. But as always, the minor knicks and dings are worth taking note of as training camp progresses.

Rookie tight end Jake Ferguson was pulled from the proceedings rather early after tweaking a hamstring, according to head coach Mike McCarthy. He said after conferring with the training staff that there is no reason to believe it’s serious.

The same goes for fellow tight end Jeremy Sprinkle, who aggravated an Achilles tendon and was held out.

Linebacker Jabril Cox continues to rehab an ACL tear, so even a minor knee knock to the knee can jangle nerves. The team shut him down for the day, out of an abundance of caution.

“Just being smart,” McCarthy explained. “He kind of dinged it a little bit, not of a serious nature. So just kind of shut him down.”

The team will stage a mock game on Wednesday, and Cox will reportedly resume normal practice work with the team the following day.

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5 Cowboys poised to have unexpected big seasons in 2022

Much is expected of a handful, but there are others who may surprise. @KDDrummondNFL makes predictions for what kind of statistical output many fans might not see coming.

Whether it be an emergence or a comeback story, nothing captivates the sports world like an unexpected big season from a player. Of course team championships are the ultimate goal, but those don’t happen unless a large percentage of a team’s roster plays above their pay grade and turns in high-quality performances. As the Dallas Cowboys descend upon Oxnard, CA for training camp so they can begin their journey in the 2022 season, there are some players who are expected to have big years.

Quarterback Dak Prescott will be two years removed from his horrific leg break. WR CeeDee Lamb has ascended to No. 1 status and is expected to see an uptick in targets. LB Micah Parsons has a full season under his belt and fresh to the league came in second place for Defensive Player of the Year; the sky is limitless. Although no one expects CB Trevon Diggs to reach double-digit interceptions again, he’s only played the position for four years and should be better even if the stats drop. But what about those players who aren’t necessarily expected to have big years?

Here’s a look at five players who could have surprising seasons in 2022.

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Osa Odighizuwa

Jabril Cox

Dallas Cowboys pick former LSU linebacker Damone Clark in fifth round

Clark fell quite a bit after the surgery that will shut him down for his rookie season, but the Cowboys took a chance on him at No. 176.

It was a longer wait than [autotag]Damone Clark[/autotag] hoped for, but the former standout LSU linebacker finally heard his name called during Saturday’s Day 3.

Clark was taken with the 176th pick by the Dallas Cowboys at the 2022 NFL draft. He joins former LSU linebacker [autotag]Jabril Cox[/autotag], who Dallas selected in the fourth round last year.

After leading the SEC in tackles as a senior in 2021 and finishing second nationally in that category, Clark was largely projected as a Day 2 pick. However, he underwent spinal fusion surgery in March that will cause him to miss his entire rookie season. His stock dropped considerably as a result, seeing as he fell to the fifth round.

It’s disappointing that Clark’s surgery may have cost him a sizable amount of money, but Dallas saw his potential and was willing to take a chance on him in the late rounds. Though he won’t be available in Year 1, he’ll look to compete in 2023 in a linebacker group that currently features two talented players in Leighton Vander Esch and Micah Parsons.

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Stephen Jones: Jabril Cox ‘should be a big plus’ for Cowboys in ’22, changing LB strategy in free agency

The Cowboys are out of the Bobby Wagner pursuit, in part because of how they view their second-year LB from LSU as he rehabs a knee injury. | From @ToddBrock24f7

Bobby Wagner is considered one of the best free agents still on the market. But he won’t be coming to Dallas.

So says Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones, despite well-documented mutual interest from both parties and near-salivating interest from the fanbase. Speaking from the annual league meetings in Florida, though, Jones put to bed any speculation that the club would be making a move to sign the six-time first-team All-Pro.

In fact, Jones raved enough about the team’s current linebacking corps that it now seems unlikely they’ll do any shopping at the position this free agency period.

“We feel good about it,” Jones told reporters in Palm Beach this week. “We’re not heavy with numbers; we certainly could do better there, but I wouldn’t say it’s a huge priority before the draft.”

A big part of that confidence comes from the linebackers Dallas picked up in last year’s draft. First-round choice Micah Parsons turned in a Defensive Rookie of the Year campaign and even got into the Defensive Player of the Year conversation. He’ll be the centerpiece of the Cowboys defense for years to come.

But the team’s fourth-round pick at the position is a factor, too. LSU product Jabril Cox got off to a promising start in his rookie season before an ACL tear took him out in Week 8. He played just nine defensive snaps before the injury, but had seen action on over half the special teams unit’s plays to that point.

The Cowboys like Cox’s development, with Jones predicting that he’ll assume a role that had gone to one of defensive coordinator Dan Quinn’s favorite players last season.

“He’s doing really well,” Jones said of the 23-year-old Cox. “Feel great about him, feel great that he’s the right fit for what Dan wants to do defensively… Should be a big plus for us this year, probably fill right in where Keanu [Neal] left off. Think he’s got great coverage skills. A good offseason with him will be good for him. Really like his upside.”

That comment seems to assure that Neal, a six-year veteran who had been in Dallas on a one-year agreement, won’t return from free agency. Neal had been a safety in Atlanta, making a switch to linebacker when he joined the Cowboys.

Positional flexibility has become a hot trend, especially in Dallas, with a player’s officially-listed spot taking a backseat to his ability to be effective from multiple places on the field.

It’s one of the reasons why the re-signing of Jayron Kearse was a key win for the front office this offseason. He’s technically a safety, but his return puts the minds of Jones and the Cowboys coaches more at ease as they look at the middle level of the defense.

“Some people in the building consider Jayron Kearse a linebacker,” Jones explained. “So we don’t need as many ‘backers as we used to because we kind of play that hybrid style with our safeties.

And that means the Cowboys apparently won’t make a push to bring Wagner, the Seahawks’ eight-time Pro Bowl linebacker, to town.

Wagner’s publicly-stated desire for a two-year contract worth $11 million is part of it, too. The Cowboys are notorious bargain shoppers when it comes to free agency; inking Leighton Vander Esch to a new one-year contract at up to $3 million and securing the undrafted Luke Gifford at $1 million and change is much more in line with the Joneses’ typical strategy.

And with nine draft picks to use next month, also looking to the college ranks for added linebacker depth is practically a given.

From a projected first-rounder like Georgia’s Nakobe Dean to Round Two possibilities like Alabama’s Christian Harris or Wyoming’s Chad Muma to a host of deeper Day Three picks, the Cowboys should have options whenever they decide to address the position further.

But with a healing Jabril Cox waiting in the wings and returning talent like Kearse, Vander Esch, and Gifford ready to rotate in alongside the electrifying Parsons, that time looks like it will be later rather than sooner for the Cowboys brain trust.

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LSU Morning Rush: Jabril Cox and Danielle Hunter done for the season

Two former Tigers are done for the year.

Top stories involving the LSU Tigers on Tuesday morning. Two former LSU Tigers will miss the remainder of the 2021 season after suffering season-ending injuries.

Jabril Cox tore his ACL against Minnesota

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Via Cowboys Wire:

As Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News is reporting, rookie linebacker Jabril Cox suffered an ACL tear in Sunday night’s win over Minnesota and is out for the remainder of the 2021 campaign.

The injury occurred during the third quarter of the Week 8 win; Cox was injured on punt coverage. Unable to put pressure on his right leg after the play was over, he was helped to the sideline medical tent and then carted from to the locker room.

His rookie season is now over just seven games into the season.  Cox accounted for just two tackles this year as he played primarily on special teams. He will begin his rehab process once he is cleared following surgery to repair that torn ACL.

He wasn’t the only former LSU Tiger to be lost for the season from the game as Danielle Hunter suffered a similar fate.

Danielle Hunter done for the season with a torn pec muscle

(Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Via Vikings Wire:

Hunter left the Week 8 game against the Cowboys with a shoulder injury. The edge rusher was originally ruled questionable, only to be downgraded to out during the contest.

This is a massive blow to not only the Vikings defense, but the overall team’s chances of turning the season around and making the playoffs in 2021.

Hunter’s year comes to an end after posting six sacks in seven games. He also has 38 combined tackles and 10 quarterback hits. The Vikings defense lose a big-time pass rusher.

LB Jabril Cox to miss remainder of Cowboys’ season with ACL tear

Cox was injured on a third-quarter play while in punt coverage; he had been a heavy special teams contributor in his rookie season. | From @ToddBrock24f7

The injury bug has bitten the Cowboys repeatedly over the team’s first seven games, though most of the cases have been relatively minor, with the affected players missing just sporadic or limited time.

But now a promising young playmaker has been lost for the season.

As Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News is reporting, rookie linebacker Jabril Cox suffered an ACL tear in Sunday night’s win over Minnesota and is out for the remainder of the 2021 campaign.

The injury occurred during the third quarter of the Week 8 win; Cox was injured on punt coverage. Unable to put pressure on his right leg after the play was over, he was helped to the sideline medical tent and then carted from to the locker room.

He left the Vikings’ stadium on crutches and received an MRI on Monday, confirming the tear.

Cox himself posted a message to Twitter shortly after news of the severity of his injury went public.

A fourth-round draft pick out of LSU, Cox had been a heavy contributor on special teams, logging over 55% of the unit’s snaps in each of the Cowboys’ previous six games. He had seen just nine game snaps thus far with the regular defense, but it had been thought that the recent departure of Jaylon Smith might result in more time at linebacker for the 23-year-old Cox.

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