It is a heavy time for rankings throughout the NFL. This is the case thanks to the worldwide leader. ESPN has been slow-playing their release of rankings of various position groups, an exercise they have been doing for a couple of years now (basically the new-look version of the old-school NFL Top 100).
For context it should be understood that ESPN assembles these rankings based on their sourcing of executives, coaches, and scouts throughout the league, so the thought is that these rankings are built
by people who know the current game the best.
Most notably the Cowboys have seen Tyler Smith rank atop all interior linemen and both Dak Prescott and Quinnen Williams come in at number 6 in their respective positions. Players like Javonte Williams, Jake Ferguson, Tyler Booker (among the interior linemen that Tyler Smith topped obviously), and DaRon Bland pick up honorable mentions.
You can officially count DeMarvion Overshown among that honorable mention crew at off-ball linebacker.
DeMarvion Overshown, Dallas Cowboys: “He moves like a safety. Incredibly talented. I want to see how he does this year after the injuries.” — NFC scout
Obviously Overshown played safety early in his collegiate career at the University of Texas, so that he “moves like” one makes sense.
There is zero question that Overshown has flashed serious potential to date at this point in his career. The issue with him has unfortunately been one of injuries as he has had a difficult time staying on the field.
ESPN also listed Overshown as someone who could be a breakout player in 2026, and given that he has done so before they even termed it as a potential “re-breakout.” Him reaching the heights that we have seen in the past would go a long way towards returning this defense to a respectable form.
Here are the top 10 off-ball linebackers from the ranking, if you are curious:
- Fred Warner, 49ers
- Roquan Smith, Ravens
- Carson Schwesinger, Browns
- Zack Baun, Eagles
- Jack Campbell, Lions
- Azeez Al-Shaair, Texans
- Jordyn Brooks, Dolphins
- Nick Bolton, Chiefs
- Edgerrin Cooper, Packers
- Devin Lloyd, Panthers
New Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker was around the Eagles obviously, and so perhaps he has a vision for building his own version of what Zack Baun offers to Philadelphia. Along those lines, the Cowboys were connected at points this offseason to trade rumors involving both Azeez Al-Shaair and Jordyn Brooks. It seems obvious that they understand they have to improve at this spot.
Hopefully DeMarvion Overshown can be the answer. Do you think he can/will?
