5 Cowboys fans shouldn’t forget about as training camp unfolds

The Cowboys revamped the linebacker spot this offseason, and it could benefit Clark the most. Through his first two seasons, Clark has been a solid, but underwhelming addition at LB. As a rookie, Clark was coming off spinal fusion surgery, which zapped some of his strength and ability. Then he was pressed into playing the middle last year when Leighton Vander Esch got hurt.

Clark wasn’t an ideal fit to be the “Mike”, but that shouldn’t be a problem this season with the addition of Eric Kendricks. Now Clark can play weakside, a position that better suits his ability as a run-and-hit player. The Cowboys should get the most out of Clark now that he’s back to a more natural position.

The defense also has second-year LB DeMarvion Overshown to compete with Clark at WLB, but he’s coming off a torn ACL, which likely gives Clark the edge. Overshown had shown potential before the injury, but with Clark being the healthier option and able to play faster now that he’s back as the weakside LB, he could be the steal the Cowboys thought they were getting when they drafted him.

Training camp will tell us more about how new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer will deploy his LB unit, but don’t be surprised if Clark has a bigger impact this season.