RADIO
Leighton Vander Esch 2020 Outlook: A Tackle Factory If Healthy
5 years agoIn January of this year, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch underwent surgery to correct a neck injury that cost him seven games last season. While reports suggest that this issue should not impact Vander Esch’s 2020 availability, neck surgery is never something for fantasy owners to ignore. Adding additional concern to this issue is that Vander Esch has a history of neck injuries and that this particular injury was reportedly considered a possible career-ender by some. This nagging neck puts a damper on what should be an exciting young IDP prospect, too. The former Boise Bronco was a rookie tackling machine, averaging an impressive ten stops per game once he became a starter two years ago. While his performance declined last season, Vander Esch was still a 2019 fantasy starter in leagues that reward a point for solo tackles. The 24-year-old would be a no-doubt starter in 2020 as well, if not for his health. That health question is significant, however, and it should be enough to drop him below his current rank as fantasy’s ninth-best linebacker. Draft Vander Esch, but not over healthier players like Devin Bush and Zach Cunningham.
