Mailbag: Size of inside linebackers a concern?

(Editor's Note: Time to check the mail! The DallasCowboys.com staff writers answer your questions here in 'Mailbag' presented by Miller Lite.)

Are you concerned not just about how many inside linebackers are on the roster, but the size of the guys they currently have? At only 220 pounds, will DeMarvion Overshown be able to hold up playing inside linebacker in Christian Parker's 3-4 scheme, especially given his injury history? I know it's a different day and age, but generally the 3-4 calls for larger inside linebackers. – Mark Branscum/Troup, TX

Nick: I think both statements are valid concerns for now. I say for now because we don't have much insight on the matter. This is the first time Christian Parker has been a defensive coordinator. Yeah, he comes from different systems but this is his own style and what we think a 3-4 linebacker should look like, might not be a shared vision of Parker.

So only time will tell on how he uses the linebackers. But yes, there aren't a lot of linebackers on the roster and the ones that are here don't seem to have the prototypical size. In fact, I always thought if the Cowboys ever moved to a 3-4 that DeMarvion Overshown could be a better fit on the outside. Instead, they're moving Marist Liufau there. He's got some bulking up to do on that front.

But back to the middle, I think the Cowboys will probably add to this position even before and during the draft. There's been some trade talk about adding a veteran but I also think this is a spot they could address, as early as the No. 12 pick if that right player falls to them.

One thing to consider, the Cowboys still have one of the best interior fronts in the league in Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark. They're also making an effort to add plenty of size, as they also signed Otito Ogbonna in free agency. The better they are in the middle, the better the linebackers will be, getting freed up and able to run to the ball.

Yes, concern is an understandable thought but I would imagine the position will look very different when the month of May rolls around.

Kurt: I must admit that when I first heard Overshown was going to be lining up as an inside linebacker, my first thought was, Are you sure about that? Don't we need a Ray Lewis type, a 6-foot-1 player who weighs 240 pounds? Or in Cowboys terms, another Sean Lee, a 6-2, 245-pounder?

But we talked about this on our Hangin' With the Boys podcast, and as Jesse Holley pointed out, Overshown isn't going to be asked to play that prototypical middle linebacker role we often associate with inside linebacker. He's all about eating up space and using his speed to go sideline to sideline, not necessarily slamming into the line of scrimmage.

You bet there is concern about him being able to stay healthy, though. As Stephen Jones said from the NFL Scouting Combine, "The biggest thing is availability. … Obviously, he needs to put together a full season, and if he does, I think it will be a great season." Indeed, if Overshown can stay on the field, he's shown he can be a difference maker.

With that said, the number of inside linebackers on the roster, or lack thereof, is definitely a worry. At 6-1, 235, Shemar James will return after leading the team in tackles (91) last year as a rookie, and he will hopefully only improve in his first full offseason working with the Cowboys' strength and conditioning staff.

However, Justin Barron, who primarily spent his rookie campaign on Dallas' 2025 practice squad, appears to be the Cowboys' only other inside linebacker currently on the roster. He's got some size, 6-4, 235, but obviously not much experience.

Meaning, the Cowboys have some serious work to do here, both in the upcoming draft and still in free agency. Which they, and we, are all well aware of.