Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State. Ranked #30 overall on the 2018 consensus board (Round 1 projection); Dallas drafted him in Round 1, pick 19.
Player Production
Career USAGEHow often this player was on the field compared to others at the position. Listed as USG below
★ All‑Pro · † Pro Bowl
74STARTER
| Yr | Team | W-L | TKL | TFL | PD | SNP% | USG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| '18 | DAL | 10-6 | 97 | 2 | 7 | 76% | †74 |
| '19 | DAL | 8-8 | 41 | 1 | 3 | 86% | 82 |
| '20 | DAL | 6-10 | 29 | 1 | — | 68% | 68 |
| '21 | DAL | 12-5 | 43 | 4 | 2 | 58% | 61 |
| Rookie Contract | — | 210 | 8 | 12 | 72% | 71 | |
| '22 | DAL | 12-5 | 47 | 4 | 1 | 79% | 76 |
| '23 | DAL | 12-5 | 14 | 1 | — | 88% | 84 |
| Career | — | 271 | 13 | 13 | 75% | 74 | |
Special Teams
| Yr | Team | ST SNP% | ST SNAPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| '18 | DAL | 43% | 181 |
| '19 | DAL | 19% | 44 |
| '20 | DAL | 15% | 40 |
| '21 | DAL | 18% | 87 |
| '22 | DAL | 14% | 55 |
| '23 | DAL | 15% | 19 |
| Career | 21% | 426 | |
Size & Length
Metric
Value
Range Profile
Avg/BelowGoodGreatClass Peers *All LB in the 2018 draft class.
Better
Context
Height
6'4 ¼"
→
Frame profile.
Weight
256 lbs
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Body mass profile.
Arm Length
33.875"
→
Length profile.
Hand Size
9.75"
→
Grip profile.
Athletic Profile
Metric
Value
Range Profile
Avg/BelowGoodGreatClass Peers *All LB in the 2018 draft class.
Better
Context
Speed & Explosion
40 Yard Dash
4.65 sec.
←
Speed over distance.
Vertical Jump
39.5"
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Explosiveness and leg strength.
Broad Jump
124"
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Explosiveness and leg strength.
Agility
10 Yard Split
N/A
—
—
Initial burst.
3 Cone
6.88 sec.
←
Agility and change of direction.
Short Shuttle
4.15 sec.
←
Flexibility, burst, and balance.
Strength
Bench Press
20 reps
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Upper-body strength.
CHALKTALK
Leighton Vander Esch leads all LBs from the 2018 draft class in career solo tackles.