Cowboys Draft ‘Most Versatile’ 6-foot-3, 274-Pound SEC Edge Rusher

“LT Overton is the most versatile defensive lineman in the 2026 NFL draft class,” Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder wrote before the draft. “He’s an impressive run defender with the potential to be an impactful pass-rusher at the next level. Overton received immediate playing time as a true freshman for the Aggies, totaling 31 tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack before seeing a dip in production with just 17 tackles and no TFLs or sacks in 2023. He became a starter with the Crimson Tide in 2024 and logged 42 tackles, three TFLs and two sacks. This past season, Overton racked up 42 tackles, six TFLs and four sacks.”

Given his size, there’s actually a chance Overton could get kicked down to defensive tackle, where Pro Bowler Kenny Clark and NFL All-Pro Quinnen Williams already occupy space, but there isn’t great depth.

LT Overton’s Draft Stock Took Precipitous Drop

Overton falling to the 4th round represented a precipitous drop in draft stock.

Pro Football Network had Overton tagged as a 1st round pick headed into the 2025 college football season, predicting he would go to the Buccaneers with the No. 21 overall pick.

From PFN: “LT Overton may lack the typical production of a first-round EDGE prospect, but he does make up for it with his rare flexibility. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have built a unique pass rush unit with their defensive line body types, and Overton would elevate them to become challenging to throw against.”

Overton Hasn’t Put Up Big Numbers in 3 Seasons

Perhaps no position gets drafted more on potential than edge rusher — at least in the first round — because it is such a rare combination of athleticism, size and speed. Overton is one of those rare few who seem like they might have what it takes.

Overton seemed like that type of prototype, but never was able to put up numbers that would justify drafting him in the 1st round — and the bar is pretty low.

NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein correctly predicted Overton would drop to the 4th round. He also added that Overton might be better served with a move to defensive tackle in the NFL.

“Overton is a slow-twitch end with impressive power and a consistently rugged demeanor,” Zierlein wrote in his pre-draft evaluation. “He has long arms and plays with the anchor/leverage that helps him secure his gap. However, he rarely gains early positional advantages and isn’t going to be a gap-shooter. He lacks range in pursuit and won’t threaten tackles to the corner with his get-off as an edge rusher. Overton’s play strength and leverage create power on the edge, but power won’t trump production. Adding mass and moving inside to 3-technique could be in his best interest.”