Cowboys Rookie LB Could Threaten Starting Lineup Spot

With Matt Eberflus now calling the shots as defensive coordinator, the Dallas Cowboys targeted the linebacker room heavily during free agency and the NFL Draft.

Not only does Eberflus bring unique linebacker-driven schemes and coverages, but the departure of former DC Mike Zimmer meant the expected loss of Dallas' leading tackler from last season in Eric Kendricks, who is still an unrestricted free agent.

As free agency got underway, the Cowboys traded for Tennessee Titans captain Kenneth Murray Jr. and signed promising prospect Jack Sanborn, who played under Eberflus last season with the Chicago Bears.

In the Draft, Dallas picked Florida linebacker Shemar James with the 152nd pick in the fifth round.

These additions, along with returning youngster Marist Liufau, should fill out the group as breakout star DeMarvion Overshown rehabs his knee injury, which could take at least half the season.

What's left to determine is what combo of these four available pieces will be in the starting lineup.

Some believe James could be a "dark horse" candidate to sneak up to the top of the depth chart.

James, 20, is among the youngest players drafted this year, but benefits from one factor that comes with being by Cowboys over anywhere else: collective unfamiliarity.

As a rookie, he's already faced with a tough task of getting acclimated to the NFL game to go along with a new environment. That's no easy test. But James could be better off in this situation because there is change for the others, too.

Under a new coaching staff, James' peers are in that learning process right along with him, which levels the playing field.

Sanborn may be the slight exception having been with Eberflus recently, but he still was in and out of the starting lineup and has room to grow athletically.

James has a ways to go before he earns a spot on the 53-man roster, let alone the starting 11. Thankfully for him, he plays a position in need of a difference maker or someone that asserts themself as the alpha in this room.

The cognitive processing will come with Eberflus showing him the ropes, but by building on his impressive showings from earlier this offseason, James could find himself in the hunt for first team reps in training camp.