New England Patriots receive high grades in 2018 NFL Draft first round
Dallas Cowboys No. 19: Boise St. LB, Leighton Vander Esch
The Dallas Cowboys had a number of needs coming into the draft. The board fell in a favorable way for them, as they had multiple prospects that would have filled a need and provided value at this spot. While the Cowboys hit a need, they made a reach doing it.
With the 19th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Cowboys selected Boise State inside linebacker, Leighton Vander Esch. Vander Esch fills a need for Dallas, who lost Anthony Hitchens in free agency. Sean Lee is a big injury risk and will be 32-years old this season. Jaylon Smith has made a miraculous recovery from his knee injury, but linebacker was still a need.
While Vander Esch had a strong 2017 season, Dallas passed on higher rated prospects at the position, such as Alabama’s Rashaan Evans. Also, there were zero wide receivers selected yet when Dallas came on the clock. They had their pick of the bunch but decided to pass despite not having a go-to option on their roster at wide receiver.
Vander Esch is a good fit for Dallas given his sideline-to-sideline coverage in the run game and solid coverage skills. However, it feels like the Cowboys missed a chance here to fill more pressing needs, such as adding a much-needed playmaker for Dak Prescott in the passing game.