4 LInebackers the Dallas Cowboys ShouLd consider in the 2o18 NFL Draft

By DeAndre Smith

Roquan Smith, ILB (Georgia)

At 6 feet 225 pounds, the Dick Butkus award winner had a phenomenal season and showcased himself as the best inside linebacker in the country. He finished the 2017 season with 124 total tackles and 5.5 sacks, finishing 2nd in the SEC among solo tackles with 76. Smith has great speed and a natural ability to find the ball carrier, adding him to the Line Backing core with Sean Lee and Jaylon Smith could serve the Cowboys very well. A draft selection that could boost the entire defense, the only problem is, Smith may not be available at 19.

Jerome Baker, OLB/ILB (Ohio State)

Baker is a hybrid linebacker that could very much translate into a star in the NFL. The 6-1 225 pound linebacker played outside and inside linebacker at Ohio State, he finished with 83 total tackles in 2016 and 72 in 2017. Baker specializes in pass rush and coverage, as he would be a perfect guy to take on a tight end assignment or a speedy back. He has a very high motor and has great football instincts, this linebacker/safety player may be available in the 2nd round so the Cowboys can address another position in the 1st.

Tremaine Edmunds, OLB/ILB (Virginia Tech)

Edmunds might be the most raw LB prospect in the draft and he also might have the most upside. The 6-4, 236 pound LB finished with 108 tackles and 5.5 sacks in the 2017 season, he has elite awareness and can play inside or out. He can rush off the edge, or he can blitz down the middle as an elite pass rusher. His size and range gives him the most upside in the draft and will definitely be taken in the 1st round. He fits in almost every scheme because he can play inside backer or outside backer, he has the potential to be a great Linebacker

Cameron Smith, ILB (USC)

Smith may be the most slept on linebacker in this draft, the 6-2 245 pound linebacker has been producing since his freshman year at USC. His Freshman Year he finished with 78 total tackles, improving to 83 in 2016, then climbing to 112 in 2017. Smith is a fundamentally sound linebacker who reminds me of Sean Lee, a tackling machine who is also skilled in coverage. Has great leadership skills and is the most poised, disciplined linebacker in this draft.

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