Dallas Cowboys fans truly couldn’t have asked for a better progress report in training camp from defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. Even wide receiver Jalen Brooks couldn’t help but heap praise on Zimmer’s scheme and the disguises he’s been throwing at the offense.
Some of the biggest beneficiaries of Zimmer’s arrival are Mazi Smith, who’s reverted back to his familiar nose tackle position and cornerback Jourdan Lewis. Entering his eighth with the Cowboys, Lewis has been jumping routes and recording pass breakups and interceptions at a ridiculous clip.
While Smith and Lewis are signs for optimism with Zimmer, where the DC has made his biggest impact is at the linebacker position. The front office deserves credit for rebuilding the unit this offseason, and the return of DeMarvion Overshown is obviously massive.
However, Zimmer’s fingerprints are all over the resurrection, for lack of a better term, of the linebacker room. Even spring-league signing Willie Harvey Jr. has made his presence felt. Never one to rest on his laurels, Zimmer helped the position get even deeper by reuniting with one of his most underrated players from his head coaching days.
Cowboys new signing LB Nick Vigil previously thrived under Mike Zimmer
The Cowboys signed linebackers Nick Vigil and Darius Harris, as well as defensive tackle Albert Huggins. In a corresponding move to make room on the 90-man roster, linebacker Byron Vaughns was waived, Sam Williams was placed on the reserve/injured list and CeeDee Lamb went on reserve/did not report list.
These admittedly aren’t the signings that Cowboys fans were hoping for. However, Vigil is a former favorite of both Zimmer and defensive run-game coordinator Paul Guenther.
Vigil played under Zimmer and Guenther in Minnesota. In fact, the Bengals drafted Vigil in the third round in 2016 when Guenther was their defensive coordinator. The 30-year-old only played one season under Zimmer in 2021 and it was arguably his best season as a pro.
Vigil started 12 games as one of Minnesota’s two weak-side linebackers while Eric Kendricks patrolled the middle of the defense. He finished fourth on the team with 85 tackles and returned his only interception for a touchdown.
Guenther previously praised Vigil’s ability to play all three linebacker positions and contribute on special teams. That will prove crucial as the former Utah State product looks to make a name for himself with training camp already two weeks old.
The Cowboys have gotten strong play from all their linebackers in Oxnard, including Kendricks, Damone Clark, who seems primed for a breakout year, Overshown, rookie Marist Liufau and the aforementioned Willie Harvey Jr.
It will be tough sledding for Vigil to make the team in such a crowded room, but Thursday’s scrimmage against the Rams and the upcoming preseason slate give him a solid runway. If nothing else, Vigil’s arrival gives Dallas excellent depth at linebacker.
Imagine saying that when the 2023 season ended.
