FRISCO, TEXAS — With the 19th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Boise State outside linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. Vander Esch has incredible athletic ability, size at 6’4” 256 lbs., and strength. He ran a 4.65 40-yard-dash at the combine. He had an outstanding year in 2017 after undergoing injury, and accumulated 141 tackles as a redshirt junior, the most at Boise State since 1988. He earned the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-Conference Pick, and team captain.
Cowboys’ linebacker Sean Lee is going into his 8th season with the silver and blue at 31 years of age. The Kansas City Chiefs signed former Cowboys’ LB Anthony Hitchens to a five-year-deal. The Cowboys have desperately needed better depth at the position to learn from veteran Lee and make an impact on the field ensuring a run does not escape and protect from the pass.
Vander Esch stated that Dallas is “exactly where he wanted to be” as he walked across the stage to greet the NFL commissioner. He already has optimistic goals claiming, “We have lots of Super Bowls to win!” His contagious attitude is exactly what the Cowboys are looking for to transform and encourage the defense.
A Press Conference concluded day 1 of the NFL Draft at the Star in Frisco led by Owner and General Manager Jerry Jones, Head Coach Jason Garrett, and current Executive Vice President and CEO Stephen Jones addressing the first round draft selection. Garrett commented on Vander Esch’s fit with the Cowboys “ We felt we really knew him. He has unique traits. He works sideline to sideline. His best quality is his ability to cover the pass. He has a captain embraced role and is the right guy.”
Jerry Jones addressed his presence, “ His unique talents fit with our defensive scheme. Pleased when he was there for us. We were not tempted to move up. He is clean with the neck injury he had and was thoroughly checked out.”
The Dallas Cowboys believe Leighton Vander Esch is the guy to make an impact on and off the field. The light heartedness in the press conference with the hope of a new future and fresh beginning was seen in the smile on each of the men in blue suits behind the podium.
