5. Linebacker
CURRENT: Sean Lee, Jaylon Smith, Damien Wilson, Anthony Hitchens, Kyle Wilber
The Cowboys are hoping that last year’s second-round pick, the talented Jaylon Smith, will overcome his knee issue and become another star player. Unfortunately, we’ve seen too many examples of those hopes being denied.
If Smith can play, Dallas will be happy with him, Sean Lee, and the winner of a Hitchens-Wilson battle as the starters. Lee and Smith would also make a formidable duo of pass-defending linebackers in their nickel scheme.
Still, the uncertainty about Jaylon’s long-term health keeps linebacker as a position of concern. Even if he works out, Dallas may want to add another weak side, pass defense option to backup Sean Lee and provide rotation help for both guys in the nickel. They lost their best options for that with Andrew Gachkar and Justin Durant leaving in free agency.
Plus, with Sean Lee turning 31 in July, it’s never a bad time to consider the future.
