Leighton Vander Esch
refer to caption
Vander Esch with the Cowboys in 2020
No. 55 – Dallas Cowboys
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1996-02-08) February 8, 1996
Riggins, Idaho, U.S.
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:255 lb (116 kg)
Career information
High school:Salmon River (Riggins, Idaho)
College:Boise State (2014–2017)
NFL Draft:2018 / Round: 1 / Pick: 19
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of 2023
Total tackles:469
Sacks:3.5
Forced fumbles:3
Fumble recoveries:2
Pass deflections:13
Interceptions:3
Defensive touchdowns:1
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Leighton Vander Esch (born February 8, 1996) is an American football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Boise State, and was drafted by the Cowboys in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Early years

Vander Esch was born and raised in Riggins, Idaho. He is of Dutch descent. He attended Salmon River High School in Riggins, and competed in eight-man football, basketball, and track.[1][2] His graduating class of 2014 had eleven students.

In football, Vander Esch played quarterback and middle linebacker. As a senior, he completed 121 out of 199 attempts (60.8 percent) for 2,155 yards and 28 passing touchdowns with one interception. He also had 157 carries for 1,565 yards and 34 rushing touchdowns, 131 tackles (85 solo), five interceptions, five fumble recoveries, and four defensive touchdowns. In the state's final 53-38 win against Lighthouse Christian School, he collected more than 500 yards of total offense and scored all five of his team's offensive touchdowns. He led SRHS to a 1A D2 state championship and was named All-Idaho 1A Division II Player of the Year.

In basketball, he averaged 29.4 points and 11.1 rebounds per game as a senior and led Salmon River to consecutive 1A D2 state championships.[3]

College career

Vander Esch walked on at Boise State University,[4][5] 150 miles (240 km) south of Riggins. As a redshirt freshman in 2015, he appeared in all twelve games as a backup linebacker and registered 20 tackles (14 solo), one sack, one fumble recovery, and a first down on a fake punt. As a sophomore in 2016, he was limited to six games due to a neck injury, returning in the twelfth game against Air Force; he tallied 27 tackles (23 solo), 3.5 tackles-for-loss, one sack, and one interception.

As a junior in 2017, Vander Esch became a starter at weak-side linebacker and had a breakout season. He was named the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year after making 141 tackles (fifth in the FBS), four sacks, two interceptions, and four forced fumbles (led the team).[6] After the season, Vander Esch opted not to play as a senior (fifth-year) for the Broncos in 2018 and entered the 2018 NFL Draft.[7][8] He finished his collegiate career with 188 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions.

Professional career

Pre-draft

On December 21, 2017, Vander Esch announced his decision to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the 2018 NFL Draft.[9] Vander Esch attended the NFL Scouting Combine at Indianapolis in late February and completed all of the combine and positional drills. Vander Esch's overall combine performance impressed scouts as he finished tied for second among all linebackers in the vertical jump and short shuttle.[10] He also tied for fifth among his position group in the broad jump and finished fifth among linebackers in the three-cone drill.[11]

External videos
video icon Vander Esch's NFL Combine Workout
video icon Leighton Vander Esch runs the 40-yard dash

Vander Esch participated at Boise State's pro day on April 3, but opted to stand on his combine numbers and only performed positional drills. He attended pre-draft visits with multiple teams, including the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, and Buffalo Bills.[12][13][14] At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Vander Esch was projected to be a first round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts.[15] He was ranked as the third best linebacker prospect in the draft by Sports Illustrated, the third best outside linebacker by DraftScout.com, the fourth best linebacker by NFL analyst Mike Mayock, and the sixth best outside linebacker in the draft by ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.[16][17][18]

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span40-yard dash10-yard split20-yard split20-yard shuttleThree-cone drillVertical jumpBroad jumpBench press
6 ft 4+1⁄4 in
(1.94 m)		 256 lb
(116 kg)		 33+7⁄8 in
(0.86 m)		 9+3⁄4 in
(0.25 m)		4.65 s1.56 s2.69 s4.15 s6.88 s39+1⁄2 in
(1.00 m)		10 ft 4 in
(3.15 m)		20 reps
All values from NFL Combine[19][20]

2018

Vander Esch with the Cowboys in 2018

The Cowboys selected Vander Esch in the first round (19th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft.[21] He was the third linebacker selected.[22]

External videos
video icon Cowboys draft Vander Esch 19th overall
video icon Vander Esch celebrates NFL draft with family

On May 11, the Cowboys signed Vander Esch to a fully guaranteed four-year $11.84 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $6.69 million.[23]

Throughout training camp, Vander Esch competed to be the starting middle linebacker against Jaylon Smith.[24] Head coach Jason Garrett named Vander Esch the backup middle linebacker, behind Smith, to start the regular season.[25]

He made his professional regular season debut in the Cowboys' season-opener at the Carolina Panthers and recorded three combined tackles in their 16–8 loss. On September 30, Vander Esch earned his first career start after Sean Lee sustained a hamstring injury and was inactive for three games (Weeks 4–6).[26] He made six combined tackles as the Cowboys defeated the Lions 26–24. The following week, he collected 14 combined tackles (11 solo) during their 19–16 loss at the Houston Texans in Week 5.[27] On November 11, Vander Esch recorded a season-high 13 solo tackles and made his first career interception during a 27–20 win over the Eagles, earning him NFC Defensive Player of the Week. He intercepted a pass by Eagles' quarterback Carson Wentz, that was intended for tight end Zach Ertz, during the first quarter.[28] The following week, Vander Esch recorded eight combined tackles, a season-high three pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by Atlanta Falcons' quarterback Matt Ryan during a 22–19 win at the Falcons in Week 11. In Week 16, he collected a season-high 15 combined tackles (11 solo) as the Cowboys defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27–20.[29]

He finished his first season in 2018 with a franchise rookie-record 140 combined tackles (102 solo), seven deflections, and two interceptions in 16 games and 11 starts.[30] Vander Esch finished with the third most tackles among all players in 2018, behind Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard (163 tackles) and Green Bay Packers linebacker Blake Martinez (144 tackles). He received an overall grade of 87.5 from Pro Football Focus in 2018, which ranked fourth among all qualifying linebackers.[31]

The Cowboys finished first in the NFC East with a 10–6 record and earned a playoff berth. On January 5, 2019, Vander Esch started in his first career playoff game and recorded ten combined tackles (six solo) as the Cowboys defeated the Seattle Seahawks 24–22 in the NFC Wildcard Game.[29]

2019

In week 4 against the New Orleans Saints, Vander Esch recorded a team-high 11 tackles in the 12–10 loss.[32] He missed weeks 12–16 with a nerve issue in his neck before deciding to undergo surgery to correct the issue. He was placed on injured reserve on December 24, 2019. Across nine games, Vander Esch recorded 72 tackles (43 solo, 29 assisted), 0.5 sacks, three passes defended, and one forced fumble.

2020

In the week 1 season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, Vander Esch recorded two combined tackles in the first half before leaving the game with a broken collarbone.[33] The next day it was announced that he would undergo another surgery and was placed on injured reserve on September 15.[34][35] He was designated to return from injured reserve on October 7 and began practicing with the team again.[36] He was activated on October 19, 2020.[37] Across 10 games, Vander Esch recorded 60 tackles (32 solo, 28 assisted), one sack, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

2021

On May 3, 2021, the Cowboys declined the fifth-year option of Vander Esch's contract, which would make him a free agent in the 2022 offseason.[38] Across 17 games, Vander Esch recorded 77 tackles (48 solo, 29 assisted), one sack, two passes defended, and one interception.

2022

On March 18, 2022, Vander Esch re-signed with the Cowboys on a one-year contract.[39] In 14 games, Vander Esch recorded 90 tackles (54 solo, 36 assisted), one sack, one pass deflection, and one forced fumble. Vander Esch missed the final four regular season games with a neck stinger he suffered in Week 14 against the Houston Texans.[40]

Vander Esch returned in time for the playoffs, recording nine tackles in the Cowboys' 31-14 wild card round victory against the Buccaneers and 11 in their 19-12 divisional round loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

2023

On March 14, 2023, Vander Esch re-signed with the Dallas Cowboys on a two-year deal.[41] Vander Esch scored his NFL first career touchdown on an 11-yard fumble return in Week 4 against the New England Patriots.[42] On October 8, 2023, Vander Esch suffered a neck injury in the 10-42 loss against the 49ers. He was placed on injured reserve on October 16, 2023.[43] On November 14, 2023 Jerry Jones confirmed Leighton Vander Esch would miss the rest of the 2023-2024 NFL season.[44]

NFL career statistics

Regular season

Legend
Bold Career high
Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GPGSCombSoloAstSckSFTYPDIntYdsAvgLngTDFFFR
2018DAL 1611140102380.00725628.028000
2019DAL 997243290.503000.00010
2020DAL 10106032281.000000.00011
2021DAL 17167748291.002177.07000
2022DAL 14149054361.001000.00010
2023DAL 553017130.000000.00001
Career71654692961733.501336321.028032

Personal life

Vander Esch's younger cousin, Caleb Vander Esch, played college football as a wide receiver at South Dakota and professionally for the Arlington Renegades.[45]

References

  1. ↑ Kirshner, Alex (March 4, 2018). "How 8-man football brought Leighton Vander Esch to Dallas". SBNation.com. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  2. ↑ Cooper, Brittany (March 1, 2019). "Vander Esch on state basketball and loyalty to Salmon River". KVMT. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  3. ↑ "Leighton Vander Esch went from small-town star to NFL prospect". NFL.com. Retrieved October 27, 2023.
  4. ↑ Rains, B.J. (April 16, 2016). "Idaho native Vander Esch continuing to improve for Boise State". Idaho Statesman. Archived from the original on October 29, 2019. Retrieved April 28, 2018.
  5. ↑ Southorn, Dave (September 21, 2017). "Vander Esch's rise at Boise State has a whole Idaho community cheering — and busing". Idaho Statesman. Retrieved April 28, 2018.
  6. ↑ "Boise State linebacker named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year". Retrieved April 28, 2018.
  7. ↑ "Boise State LB Leighton Vander Esch declares for draft". Retrieved April 28, 2018.
  8. ↑ "Boise State linebacker Leighton Vander Esch declares for NFL Draft: "there was nothing holding me back"". Retrieved April 28, 2018.
  9. ↑ Hiatt, Kevin (December 21, 2017). "Leighton Vander Esch Announces He's Leaving For NFL". 247sports.com. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  10. ↑ "Sources Tell Us: NFL Combine standout not just workout warrior". NFL.com. March 9, 2018. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  11. ↑ "2018 NFL Combine: Top Performers". NFL.com. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  12. ↑ Gowton, Brandon Lee (March 19, 2018). "Eagles reportedly hosted Leighton Vander Esch on pre-draft visit". bleedinggreennation.com. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  13. ↑ Brady, Kevin (March 22, 2018). "DRAFTREPORT: BOISE STATE LB LEIGHTON VANDER ESCH VISITING COWBOYS". insidethestar.com. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  14. ↑ "BSU LB Leighton Vander Esch scheduled to visit Detroit Lions next week". prideofdetroit.com. April 6, 2018. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  15. ↑ "*Leighton Vander Esch, DS #3 OLB, Boise State". DraftScout.com. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  16. ↑ Mayock, Mike (April 20, 2018). "Mike Mayock's 2018 NFL Draft position rankings 3.0". NFL.com. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  17. ↑ Kiper Jr., Mel (March 2, 2018). "Mel Kiper's Big Board and position rankings: Top 2018 NFL draft prospects". abcnews.go.com. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  18. ↑ "The 2018 NFL Draft Big Board, 2.0". si.com. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  19. ↑ "NFL Draft Prospect Profile - Leighton Vander Esch". nfl.com. March 1, 2018. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  20. ↑ "Boise State OLB Leighton Vander Esch : 2018 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile". NFLDraftScout.com. Retrieved May 12, 2018.
  21. ↑ "2018 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  22. ↑ Sessler, Marc (April 26, 2018). "Cowboys pass on WR, draft LB Leighton Vander Esch". NFL.com.
  23. ↑ "Cowboys sign Leighton Vander Esch to rookie deal". NFL. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
  24. ↑ "Is Leighton Vander Esch another Brian Urlacher in the making? Or the Cowboys' insurance for Jaylon Smith and Sean Lee?". sportsday.dallasnews.com. July 26, 2018. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  25. ↑ Walker, Patrik (September 5, 2018). "Cowboys release depth chart for season opener vs. Panthers". 247Sports.com. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  26. ↑ "Film Room: Why Cowboys defense will be just fine with Leighton Vander Esch replacing Sean Lee". sportsday.dallasnews.com. September 27, 2018. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  27. ↑ "NFL Player stats: Leighton Vander Esch (2018)". NFL.com. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  28. ↑ Bergman, Jeremy (November 14, 2018). "Ben Roethlisberger, Mitch Trubisky among Players of the Week". NFL.com.
  29. 1 2 "NFL Player stats: Leighton Vander Esch (2018)". NFL.com. Retrieved January 10, 2019.
  30. ↑ "NFL Player stats: Leighton Vander Esch (career)". NFL.com. Retrieved January 10, 2019.
  31. ↑ "Pro Football Focus: Leighton Vander Esch". profootballfocus.com. Retrieved January 10, 2019.
  32. ↑ "Saints top Cowboys in 12-10 defensive struggle". www.espn.com. September 29, 2019. Retrieved September 29, 2019.
  33. ↑ "Dallas Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch out with injured collarbone". www.espn.com. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  34. ↑ "Dallas Cowboys lose starting LB Leighton Vander Esch for 6-8 weeks, TE Blake Jarwin for season". www.usatoday.com. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
  35. ↑ Phillips, Rob (September 15, 2020). "Brandon Carr, LB, OT Signed To Roster; 3 To IR". DallasCowboys.com.
  36. ↑ Phillips, Rob (October 7, 2020). "Practice Report: Gregory Returns; LVE Closer?". DallasCowboys.com. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
  37. ↑ Alper, Josh (October 19, 2020). "Cowboys activate Leighton Vander Esch, put Dak Prescott on IR". NBCSports.com. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  38. ↑ Phillips, Rob (May 3, 2021). "Cowboys Decline 5th-Year Option For Vander Esch". DallasCowboys.com. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  39. ↑ Patra, Kevin (March 18, 2022). "Cowboys re-signing LB Leighton Vander Esch to one-year contract". NFL.com. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  40. ↑ Trotta, Jerry. "Cowboys catch major break with Leighton Vander Esch injury update". TheLandyHat.com. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
  41. ↑ Walker, Patrik (March 14, 2023). "Vander Esch Returns to Cowboys on 2-Year Deal". DallasCowboys.com. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  42. ↑ "Dante Fowler Strip Sack, Leighton Vander Esch Scores". www.dallascowboys.com. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  43. ↑ Harris, Nick (October 16, 2023). "Cowboys announce six roster moves ahead of MNF". DallasCowboys.com.
  44. ↑ "Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch (neck) to miss remainder of 2023 season". NFL.com. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  45. ↑ Engel, Mac (April 14, 2023). "Another Vander Esch plays football in Arlington, and he eyes a shot at the NFL". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
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