Cowboys’ rookie: Low expectations + high skillset = prime opportunity

Expectations have a tendency to weigh people down. They act as pressure that sometimes makes diamonds, but more often serve as a millstone around the neck. Great players rise to the occasion, but most others fall victim to the pressure and drown. First-round picks almost always carry these massive expectations in the pros, but five-star college recruits carry that burden as well. LT Overton, the Dallas Cowboys‘ second-to-last pick in the 2026 NFL draft, once fell into that latter category.  

Blessed with size, strength and natural ability, Overton was one of the most sought-after players in his 2022 recruiting class. He was a unanimous five-star recruit who, despite playing 49 games throughout his college career in some of the best programs, never quite lived up the to the hype.

Overton, 6-foot-3, 287 pounds, had mixed reviews heading into the draft. His size and skillset made him an NFL caliber specimen, but his results on the field and tweener status on the line muddied the waters. With only 12 tackles for loss throughout his career, he didn’t project as a very explosive defensive end, and with limited snaps inside, he didn’t cleanly fit as a defensive tackle either.

Falling to pick No. 137, Overton’s draft positioning was certainly disappointing for the once-heralded recruit, but it may eventually be his saving grace. Day 3 draft status comes with Day 3 expectations; limited. More prospects flame out from this area of the draft than succeed, meaning Overton has suddenly found himself on the other side of coin in his jump to the NFL.  

To the Cowboys, Overton is essentially a lottery ticket. This low-cost investment comes with a high payout reward. Classified as a defensive tackle on the Cowboys, there is some ambiguity in his designation heading into 2026.

Christian Parker’s 3-4 scheme means there are basically three defensive tackles playing at a time even though two are technically playing base ends who bracket a nose tackle. It’s here on the flank where Overton could make an impact by using his 33-inch arms, strong base, and commitment to the run to his advantage.

Overton has consistencies and inconsistencies on tape. His consistencies are his nonstop motor and his gap integrity. His inconsistencies are his get-off, pad height and technique. It’s those latter issues that have caused him to disappear in games. It’s those former qualities that keep his potential alive.

Players who work hard will always have a chance in the NFL when they come with the size and traits Overton comes with. In the three games studied, it seems every bad play on Overton’s film starts with a slow get-off, so explosiveness and timing should probably be Priority No. 1 this summer. If he can fix that part of his game, everything else should fall into place.

For the first time in Overton’s football career, he’s in position to exceed expectations. That has to be seen as a good thing.

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