Dallas City News

When the Dallas Cowboys drafted linebacker DeMarvion Overshown in the third round in 2023, the expectation was for him to be a huge contributor right out of the gate, adding another young building block at the position along with Damone Clark. Unfortunately for the former Texas Longhorn, he suffered a torn ACL in the preseason, ending his rookie campaign as fast as it started.

Despite not taking one rep in a real game, Pro Football Focus has the utmost confidence in Overshown bouncing back from his injury. In fact, he’s labeled him the Cowboys breakout candidate for 2024.

DALLAS COWBOYS: LB DEMARVION OVERSHOWN

Overshown missed the entire 2023 season following an ACL tear during the preseason, but he was productive in college at Texas, producing a 72.1 overall grade and 23 pressures in his final season.

While the Cowboys drafted Notre Dame’s Marist Liufau in the third round and signed veteran Eric Kendricks in free agency, keeping Overshown off the field could be tough. Outside of Kendricks, Dallas’ only returning Dallas inside linebacker to grade above 70.0 last season was Markquese Bell, so Overshown could contribute if he gets up to speed after effectively redshirting.

Of course, this hinges on Overshown making a full recovery, which all signs point to that being the case. Assuming it stays that way, there is justification in believing Overshown will perform well based on the flashes he showed in the preseason a year ago. He displayed the ability to navigate sideline to sideline and to play downhill with speed and anticipation once he makes a read against the run with his instincts. While he didn’t get enough time to show it, Overshown is a former safety, so he’s more than capable of defending the pass as well if need be.

Overshown will have the benefit of being coached by the Cowboys new defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer, who plans to work on technique and make sure that his defense is disciplined. Also, Overshown will have the luxury of learning from veteran linebackers Eric Kendricks and Damien Wilson. Whatever knowledge he gains, Overshown wants to use that to battle it out for his role in Zimmer’s defense and also improve the teammates around him.

“I’m coming into that room competing, and that’s not just me wanting the starting job – because of course, we all do – but it’s bringing the guys with me in the linebacker room,” said Overshown back in March. “We’re all competing and that brings our linebacker room to a new level. I bring that competition. It’s a newcomer coming in that’s hungry for a spot. It forces everybody to want to play better.”