Cowboys finally address linebacker need picking Marist Liufau, who shares common theme with previous NFL Draft pick

With their first three picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys grabbed two offensive lineman and an edge rusher. With the 87th overall pick, they finally addressed their need for a linebacker.

The pick: LB Marist Liufau, out of Notre Dame.

The selection essentially confirmed what many speculated about during the draft process in that Payton Wilson's medical concerns are real as the Cowboys passed on him even though they were picking late in the third.

Liufau will come in to compete in a thin LB room spearheaded by Eric Kendricks that has DeMarvion Overshown returning from injury and Damone Clark fighting to retain a starting role. He's a prospect who shines in coverage (0 touchdowns since 2022, per PFF) , which could be very valuable for a Mike Zimmer-led defense that asks its linebackers to do a little bit of everything.

On a related note, Liufau's biggest calling card is his impressive athleticism, checking the boxes for size, length, and explosiveness. In a way, that resembles the theme of Marshawn Kneeland in the second round. The Cowboys are getting Mike Zimmer athletes for his 2024 defense.

Iisha Morrison revealed on 105.3 The Fan that Liufau was said to be calling out the plays before they happened at the Senior Bowl.

"Marist brings very high processing ability and unique movement ability in the open field," says Tyler Browning of A to Z Spors. "He flows sideline to sideline and the ball extremely well. He enjoys contact at the point of attack in the trenches. There are overall lapses in the consistency of his game and he is just an ok coverage guy right now. He brings some much needed physicality and toughness to the LB room right away"

Marist Liufau Scouting Report from A to Z Sports Film Room's James Foster

Strengths:

• Rare length/frame for an off-ball LB
• Attacks & separates from iso blocks with a stiff punch & heavy hands
• Can swim through 2nd level climbs & keep himself clean
• Has experience rushing off the edge & flashed advanced hand usage
• Looks natural taking deep zone drops
• Impressive coverage range to carry speed down the sideline
• Decisive & assignment-secure in zone coverage
• Flies around the field with relentless effort

Weaknesses:

• Subpar instincts & gap discipline in run defense
• High-cut build makes it difficult to keep his footing at the point of attack
• Average block anticipation. Frequently blindsided by contact
• Rigid tackler with tight hips
• Gets influenced out of his gap when RBs press the LOS
• Mediocre pursuit range. Loses the edge to outside runs
• Has a tendency to leave his feet and tackle high

Related: Cowboys land potential starter in Cooper Beebe with third round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft