NFL world hits the Dallas Cowboys with a bittersweet yet encouraging message ahead of 2025 NFL season

It took the NFL world very little to see the same thing Dallas Cowboys saw in 2025 with first-row tickets: Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is special. 

We're not talking about being "good" and nothing more here. We're talking about a special kind of athlete with a unique knack for making big plays all across the field. But Overshown was more than just flashy, as coaches, execs, and scouts just confirmed. 

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler puts together yearly position-by-position rankings by polling personnel around the NFL, and Overshown ranked as the eighth best linebacker in the league despite only having 12 career games under his belt.

NFL coaches don't hold back their praise of DeMarvion Overshown 

An annonymous NFC offensive coach is quoted as saying Overshown is the second-biggest concern on the Cowboys defense for rivals only behind Micah Parsons. Another coach admitted he's someone who can take over a game:

"One of the most athletic linebackers I've ever seen," a veteran NFL defensive coach said. "He's the fastest guy out there. Can completely take over a game and was really starting to get it." - ESPN

An NFL executive also quoted in the article described him as "absolutely amazing" and "ridiculous." 

Though fans who watched Overshown in 2025 shouldn't be surprised by his high spot in the rankings, it's still cool to see NFL personnel be equally impressed by the young player. 

Though he isn't the perfect player, his upside is tremendously high thanks to the elite athleticism he brings to the table. As long as he is able to come back healthy, the sky is the limit for someone like Overshown. Former teammate Eric Kendricks knows it very well. 

"I want you to be the best (expletive) linebacker there is, bro, you have that potential, you've just got to keep putting that (work) in," Kendricks told him on the sideline last season.

The Top 10 ranking comes with obvious bittersweet taste

The Cowboys linebacker being in the Top 10 is encouraging, of course, but it's also bittersweet. Overshown suffered a nasty knee injury that not only ended his 2024 season early but will cost him most of 2025. Currently, Overshown is expected to return Week 13 for the team's Thanksgiving matchup. 

Even when he returns, there will b e major questions about how long it will take him to be 100%. Cowboys fans have learned way too many times that knee injuries take time even once a player is back on the playing field. Confidence needs to be regained. 

The good news is Overshown has been on a mission to rehab efficiently and correctly, with the coaching staff and front office praising his work ethic.