Two torn ACLs in three seasons should end most careers. For Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, they’re just speed bumps on his path to becoming one of the NFL’s most feared defenders. NFL coaches and executives are raving about his talent, but the same question haunts every conversation: Can he stay on the field long enough to reach his potential?
Can DeMarvion Overshown Stay Healthy Long Enough to Dominate?
Overshown, a 2023 third-round pick out of Texas, posted 90 total tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble, a pick-six, and four pass deflections in 13 games during the 2024-25 season before suffering a torn ACL, MCL, and PCL in Week 14 against the Cincinnati Bengals. This marked his second significant injury in as many seasons after missing his rookie year  with a torn ACL.
The talent is undeniable. “He’s absolutely amazing,” one NFL personnel executive told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler in a 2025 position rankings feature. “Ridiculous.”
Another veteran NFL defensive coach added, “One of the most athletic linebackers I’ve ever seen. He’s the fastest guy out there. Can completely take over a game and was really starting to get it.”
An NFC offensive coach told ESPN that Overshown is “the second guy you worry about in Dallas, after Micah [Parsons]. Big run-and-hit ability, third-down speed to cover.”
During his college career at the University of Texas, Overshown built a reputation as a versatile, sideline-to-sideline defender. The converted safety racked up 249 career tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss, and 9 sacks with the Longhorns, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2022 before declaring for the draft.
How Will Matt Eberflus’ System Maximize Overshown’s Skills?
Under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, the Cowboys will run a 4-3 scheme rooted in the Tampa-2 system. Eberflus relies on the front four to generate pressure while linebackers are expected to be fast, physical, intelligent, and capable of playing in space. Overshown’s athleticism fits perfectly in a zone-heavy defense if he’s featured as the weakside linebacker, focusing on pass coverage and chasing the play from behind.
Dallas will emphasize takeaways, discipline, and pursuit in this system. Eberflus, who previously served as the Cowboys’ linebackers coach from 2011-17 and most recently head-coached the Chicago Bears, runs a 4-3 base that relies on zone coverage and getting pressure with a four-man rush.
Despite the high praise surrounding his smarts and athleticism, Overshown’s injury history clouds his 2025 outlook. According to ESPN, some team evaluators “are concerned Overshown may not be ready for the start of the 2025 season due to another significant knee injury late in 2024 and are closely monitoring his long-term health.”
The Cowboys lost linebacker Eric Kendricks in free agency, though he hasn’t signed with a new team yet, creating depth issues at the position. They drafted Florida linebacker Shemar James in the fifth round and traded a sixth-round pick to the Tennessee Titans  for linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr, but they still view Overshown as a critical part of their future.
“He’s special,” an NFC scout told ESPN. “But he’s got to prove he can hold up. That’s the only question left.”
Dallas hopes Overshown’s next full season will finally show what he can do from start to finish.
