Dallas Cowboys: 5 burning questions in 2018

4. Who will start at middle linebacker?

Jaylon Smith deserves a ton of credit from bouncing back from what could have easily been a career-ending injury. He may never fully recover the quick-twitch burst he displayed in college, but he’s pretty close at this point.

Still, it’s telling that the Cowboys’ front office still opted to spend a first round pick on Leighton Vander Esch in the offseason. It sends a clear message to everyone that the organization isn’t fully convinced Smith can hold up over an entire 16-game season.

If both guys can stay healthy, Garrett is going to have an interesting decision on his hands. Smith is a bigger, more physical player, but Vander Esch’s speed is going to be difficult to keep off the field. Look for the rookie to get the nod on passing downs at the very least.

It’s also possible the coaching staff can find a way to get both players on the field at once. Vander Esch definitely has the speed to play outside on certain occasions. If he can flash some ability to rush the passer he could find a home at outside linebacker. That would leave the middle free for Smith to claim as his own.

It’s a position of relative strength for Dallas, but things could change in a hurry. Relying on a player with Smith’s injury history or a rookie isn’t the safest choice in the world. The play at middle linebacker could be a huge plus or minus for the Cowboys in 2018.