The linebacker position is where the Dallas Cowboys‘ defense most urgently needs assistance. With 401.6 yards and 29.4 points per game through seven games of 2025, the team is the worst in total defense.

With Dallas entering Week 7 ranked fourth-worst against the run, the Cowboys are in dire need of a capable second-level tackler to help stabilize their struggling front seven, despite DeMarvion Overshown returning to practice. 

According to the Bleacher Report’s scouts, there are 3 names that the Cowboys could target in the draft. Top LB Fits on B/R Big Board are Arvell Reese, Ohio State (unranked), Anthony Hill Jr., Texas (unranked), Whit Weeks, LSU (unranked).

Out of these, Reese’s name has been touted as the best fit. Arvell Reese, the standout linebacker for the Ohio State Buckeyes, has shown steady production over his college career.

In 2025 so far, he recorded 42 total tackles, including 23 solo and 19 assisted stops. Reese contributed 6.5 tackles for loss (31 yards) and 5.5 sacks (30 yards), while also breaking up two passes and registering two quarterback hurries.

A high-quality linebacker in the upcoming draft becomes essential. Overshown will need all the help immediately at the core of a defense desperate for consistency.

Overshown is back at practice and confident

DeMarvion Overshown’s return to practice this week brings relief to the Dallas Cowboys, but it also underscores how much help he still needs. The Cowboys’ defensive unit currently ranks among the worst in the league. That raises the stakes for Overshown’s return and what he needs to address.

“I kinda knew at that moment what was going on with my knee, so I didn’t look back,” DeMarvion Overshown told ESPN.

Overshown tore his right knee’s ACL, MCL, and PCL in late 2024. The Cowboys have activated a 21-day practice window for Overshown to prove his readiness before a final decision is made on his return to the active roster. Overshown had 95 tackles, 5 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback pressures, 4 pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a 23-yard interception return for a touchdown in the 13 games he played in 2024 before suffering the injury Dec. 9 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

“Monday night Primetime, zero will be making his debut,” Overshown said, set to become the first Cowboys player to wear No. 0 in a game. “I’m excited for it. It’s not going to be anything short of extraordinary. I’m ready to show truly how blessed I am.”

“Look, I ain’t going to go out there to try to do too much. I’m just going to do what I know I can do. I know what I’m capable of. Last year was still me just getting my feet wet, so I still really ain’t seen what all I can do,” he added.

Recent tests revealed that DeMarvion Overshown’s ligaments have fully healed, and his knee is structurally sound. The Cowboys have five more practices scheduled over the next two weeks before their Nov. 9 bye, during which Overshown will continue working closely with the medical staff. If all goes smoothly, he is expected to be added to the active roster.