With Leighton Vander Esch's future in question, Cowboys take LB in latest mock draft

"What makes him so unique are his exceptional movement skills and pass-rush upside. Cooper managed eight sacks last season, including three against Alabama in one of the best performances by a player all season," wrote Yates. "But Cooper also projects to have the range and instincts to be more than just a proactive linebacker making plays toward the line of scrimmage; he'll prove he can drop in coverage and carry tight ends as well."

In five games before his injury, Vander Esch had 30 tackles and one fumble returned for a TD. It was another unfortunate blow for the 27-year-old and the second season-ending neck injury in his six-year career. He underwent neck fusion surgery in 2020. 

LB Damone Clark, 23, showed flashes in his second season with a career-high 109 tackles over 17 games. However, the Cowboys need more depth at the position. Micah Parsons mainly serves as a pass-rusher. Dallas tried to convert safety Markquese Bell, who had 94 tackles in 17 games, but he lacks the size (6-foot-3, 205 pounds) needed to excel in this role.

The Cowboys hired defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer to replace Dan Quinn and improve their run defense, which finished 18th in the league in rushing yards allowed (114.1). In 22 seasons, his defenses have ranked in the top 10 in this category seven times, per Cowboys staff writer Nick Harris.

To make the scheme work, Zimmer needs dependable run-stoppers. If Vander Esch retires, taking Cooper to address this need would be the right call.