The Dallas Cowboys are dedicated to strengthening their front seven and increasing their run-stopping capabilities. To that effect, they bolstered their defensive line with the selection of Alabama defensive lineman LT Overton at the No. 137 overall pick.
During the off-season, the team has prioritized acquiring defensive linemen who excel at stopping the run, including edge Rashan Gary, whom they traded for from the Green Bay Packers. Gary recorded over 20 run stops and seven tackles for loss, earning a 71.8 run grade according to PFF. Additionally, they have brought in former LA Charger nose tackle Otito Ogbonnia, who has proven to be a solid run defender throughout his four-year career, showcasing excellent leverage.
Overton’s fit into the Cowboys’ rotation seems to be straight forward.
LT Overton Combine measurement
HT: 6-foot-3
WT: 274 pounds
Arm length:33 1/4″
40-yard dash: 4.87 seconds
10-yard split: 1.70 seconds
Strengths
Watching Overton’s film showcases his impressive spatial awareness; especially as highlighted against the LSU Tigers this past season.
Although he might not be the most agile lineman, he shows a remarkable ability to shift his body laterally to effectively chase down and tackle the quarterback. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 274 pounds, he possesses a solid build with notable strength and speed, allowing him to excel in both odd and even front formations. His film against Mizzou this year, it’s a must-see.
One can observe his strong foundation and power, and it’s rare to see him being overpowered. His ability to disrupt running lanes, thanks to his robust base and leverage, appears to be completely effortless.
Weaknesses
Overton lacks the explosive ‘twitch’ and quick get-off required to be a consistent sack artist at the next level. His approach is almost exclusively predicated on power; he prefers to go through blockers rather than around them. Because he lacks the lateral suddenness to string together complex counter-moves, he can occasionally get stuck on blocks if his initial bull-rush is neutralized.
Overton fit on the Cowboys
While Overton may not be the man lighting up the stat sheet with double-digit sacks, his value lies in his ability to physically overwhelm interior linemen. He is the ultimate enforcer, a heavy-handed rotational piece designed to flank Quinnen Williams and restore physicality to a defensive front that desperately needs it.
Under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, Overton’s versatility will be a chess piece in Dallas’ hybrid looks. Whether lining up in a 3-4 odd front or a 4-man even front, his presence is felt in the hidden stats such as pressures and run stops.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Despite lack of twitch, Cowboys 4th-round pick may be switch that’s needed
Reporting by Kenneth Ball, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
