When Dallas selected Jabril Cox with the No. 115 picks in the 2020 draft, the draft community rejoiced. The former LSU linebacker was regarded by many as the best coverage LB in the class, whose strengths and versatility were a perfect match for the current professional game.
At 6-foot-3, 233 pounds, Cox was built like a safety-linebacker hybrid. Using him as a coverage chess piece, LSU deployed Cox in a number of different ways, including in the box, on the defensive line, in the slot and even split out at cornerback. If offseason work can be seen as a precursor to the regular season, Dallas may finally be getting what they envisioned in Cox as a draft prospect.
When targeted through the air, Cox allowed a staggeringly low passer rating of 57. Getting him in the fourth round seemed like nothing short of grand larceny.
Yet, all the excitement would have to wait. An ACL injury in October of 2021 put an abrupt end to his promising rookie season. It set him on the long rehabilitation path that stretched into his second year.
Now entering Year 3, it seems as though Cox is ready to pick up where he left off in his rookie season.
As The Draft Network’s Joe Marino detailed in his pre-draft scouting report, “Cox has outstanding spatial awareness and instincts in coverage.” Those were both on full display in minicamp, with Cox flashing back-to-back red zone plays.
If Cox can continue to show his coverage savvy over the summer, he may be able to carve out a big role in 2023. The Cowboys regularly churn through their LB room throughout the course of a season and only Leighton Vander Esch and Damone Clark stand out. ahead of Cox on the depth chart.
The battle for LB3 in 2023 will likely consist of Cox, Devin Harper and the rookie DeMarvion Overshown. If Cox can keep flashing the big plays in coverage and prove consistency in run fits, he’ll likely have the inside track.
It’s prove-it time for the Cowboys 2021 draft class and Cox undoubtedly headlines that list. Early returns are optimistic making Cox an exciting player to watch when training camp opens in Oxnard.
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Story originally appeared on Cowboys Wire