19. Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State (Dallas Cowboys)
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With the injury history of linebackers Sean Lee and Jaylon Smith, the Dallas Cowboys made one of the smarter value picks in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, snagging linebacker Leighton Vander Esch with the 19th overall pick.
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In his first NFL season, not only did Vander Esch finish third in the NFL in tackles (140), but he set the Cowboys’ franchise record for most tackles by a rookie, while also tallying seven deflections, and two interceptions in 16 games and 11 starts.
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