9-game starter emerging as Cowboys sleeper at linebacker in 2025

With Overshown's status uncertain, second-year LB Marist Liufau could emerge as a key piece in Matt Eberflus' defense.

The Dallas Cowboys head into the 2025 season with several questions at the linebacker position. While the team addressed depth concerns by signing free agent Jack Sanborn and trading for former first-rounder Kenneth Murray , one under-the-radar name to watch as training camp approaches is second-year defender Marist Liufau.

The former Notre Dame standout, taken No. 87 overall in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, didn’t just get his feet wet as a rookie, he dove straight in. Liufau appeared in all 17 games, made nine starts, and quietly turned in a solid debut season: 50 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and three pass breakups.

Now, with a full offseason under his belt and a clearer path to more snaps, Liufau is positioned to take a major step forward in Year 2.

That path opened up last December when fellow linebacker DeMarvion Overshown went down with a serious knee injury, tearing his ACL, MCL, and PCL. With Overshown's return still uncertain heading into training camp, someone needs to fill the void. Liufau could be that guy.

New defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, known for his detail-oriented, high-effort units, could be the perfect match for Liufau’s skill set. Eberflus values linebackers who play fast, stay disciplined, and bring physicality, three traits Liufau flashed during his rookie campaign.

"Effort, running to the football, that's just the standard of play is what I picked up first of all from coach Flus," Liufau told DallasCowboys.com in the spring. "And his philosophy as a defense before we even get into plays and things like that, just the way we play football."

At 6-foot-2, 239 pounds, Liufau brings enough size to take on blocks and enough quickness to drop into coverage. His ability to generate pressure, force turnovers, and play downhill makes him an ideal chess piece in Eberflus’ multiple-look system.

"I feel like from the players standpoint at least, running to the ball, there's a lot more energy, emphasis on running to the ball and getting to the football as a defense and attacking the ball, emphasizing takeaways." Liufau added.

With Overshown rehabbing, the opportunity is real. And in Dallas, where young defensive talent often gets the chance to shine early, Liufau could be next in line.