When the Dallas Cowboys selected DeMarvion Overshown in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, expectations were high for the versatile linebacker. The team needed an infusion of youth and talent in the linebacker corps, and Overshown, a former Texas Longhorn, seemed to fit the bill perfectly. Early preseason flashes had fans excited, but an ACL tear derailed his rookie campaign before it could even begin.
After a cautious recovery, the Cowboys have seen the full potential of Overshown, and it’s been a revelation. The 2023 season has quickly transformed him from an unproven rookie to one of the most exciting young players on the roster.
Impact From the Start
Overshown wasted no time in making his presence felt. In the season opener against the Cleveland Browns, he played only 44% of the snaps but still finished with 11 tackles and a sack. Since then, his role and production have only grown. As of now, he ranks second on the Cowboys with 84 tackles and five sacks. His impact goes beyond traditional stats: In 67 pass-rush snaps, he’s generated 17 pressures and 10 hurries, making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks.
What sets Overshown apart is his versatility. Much like All-Pro Micah Parsons, he can line up in a variety of positions. In addition to his 584 snaps in the box, he’s also been used 84 times on the defensive line and six times in the slot. This flexibility is a result of his background as a former safety, which gives him an edge in coverage situations. Overshown’s skill set allows him to disrupt plays in multiple ways, creating an unpredictable force on defense.
A Special Moment: First Career Interception
One of the defining moments of Overshown’s season came on Thanksgiving Day against the New York Giants. During the game, he recorded his first career interception, tipping the ball to himself before hauling it in and taking it back for a touchdown. After the game, an emotional Overshown reflected on the play:
“I was just playing football and it’s like, man, I knew a play was coming and I’ve been told all week that play is coming. I didn’t know when it was coming, but it was coming, and I was just playing football. I [saw] the ball, tipped it, and I was just praying the whole time that it stayed up. I was like, ‘Man, please let my speed, for once, be fast enough to get to this ball.”
The interception was a major highlight in Overshown’s young career and a sign of the talent he’s capable of showcasing every week. It also proved that his recovery from the torn ACL wasn’t just complete — it had propelled him to a new level of performance.
A Stellar Return From Injury
Coming back from a torn ACL is never easy, and there’s no guarantee that a player will return to their previous form. Just ask Michael Gallup, whose recovery from the same injury after the 2021 season left him a shadow of his former self. But Overshown has not only returned to form; he’s playing at an elite level, and he’s doing it in his first full season. In many ways, his current play is the equivalent of a redshirt freshman in college, but with the maturity and instincts of a seasoned veteran.
His explosiveness and decisiveness on the field are reminiscent of a heat-seeking missile. As soon as the ball is snapped, Overshown shifts into another gear. He doesn’t hesitate or second-guess — he reads his keys and reacts, often faster than his opponents can process. His development has been rapid, and watching him play suggests that we’ve only scratched the surface of his potential.
A Testament to Hard Work and Faith
Despite his short time in the NFL, Overshown is already a key player for the Cowboys. His success hasn’t just been a result of raw talent; it’s also a testament to his hard work, faith, and perseverance. Prior to the season, Overshown spent much of his rehab thinking about what he would do once he returned to the field.
“I’m very thankful. Just before the game I was telling myself around this time last year, I was just waiting to show people my testimony of when I get back on the field. I’m going to show what God has truly put in me — to inspire and play like I do.”
Overshown’s journey is inspiring, and his determination to overcome adversity has made his performance all the more rewarding to watch.
The Future Is Bright
DeMarvion Overshown is just 12 games into his NFL career, and he’s already performing at an elite level. His recovery from injury, paired with his versatile skill set, has made him one of the most exciting young talents on the Cowboys roster. With each game, it’s clear that we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg. As he continues to grow and develop, there’s no telling just how high he can rise. If his early performances are any indication, the Cowboys may have found their next star on defense.
