Better Dallas Cowboys LB: Predator or Wolf Hunter?

Predator or Wolf Hunter? Which Dallas Cowboys LB would you choose if you could only choose one? There really isn’t a wrong answer to this question. Whether you pick Jaylon Smith or Leighton Vander Esch, I don’t think anyone could fault you. Really, it all comes down to preference.

For me, I’d go with Jaylon Smith. Let me tell you why.

It’s clear to me that both guys are pretty similar when it comes to tackling, playing run defense and playing in coverage. Yes, Vander Esch may have received higher grades in those categories, but I believe it’s because he had more opportunities to do so. Smith was used in different ways than LVE, but had he had those same opportunities, I believe he would have been graded just as well.

The difference for me comes with the pass rush ability of Jaylon Smith. While it’s true Smith received more pass rushing opportunities than Vander Esch, I believe the reason why is because he’s just better at it. I’m not saying Vander Esch couldn’t be a good pass rusher, but I don’t think he’d be as effective as Smith. After all, Smith does have the highest win rate among all NFL LBs.

Both guys can tackle sideline-to-sideline, cover RBs and TEs and make big stops against the run, but Jaylon Smith’s ability to make an impact rushing the passer puts him slightly ahead of Leighton Vander Esch in my mind.

Again, I love both guys. There’s absolutely no wrong answer here. Whichever Dallas Cowboys LB you’d take, you’re correct, but I’d personally go with Predator over the Wolf Hunter if I had to make that decision. Thankfully, I don’t.