New Dallas Cowboys LB Jack Sanborn Brings the Exact Mindset the Team Needs
The Dallas Cowboys have long been known for their dynamic and physically imposing defense, a hallmark of their success over the years. However, despite having one of the league’s most formidable defenses, the Cowboys have been searching for that one player to bring the necessary grit, leadership, and high football IQ to elevate the defense to another level. Enter Jack Sanborn, the newest linebacker to join the team.
Sanborn, who signed with the Cowboys in the 2025 offseason, is a player with a reputation for being an instinctual, aggressive, and passionate defender. While the Cowboys have made significant strides defensively in recent seasons, many believe that Sanborn could be the missing piece in their linebacking corps, injecting a fresh mindset and attitude that could turn their defense into one of the most feared units in the NFL.
This article will examine the impact Jack Sanborn is expected to have on the Dallas Cowboys, why his mindset is exactly what the team needs, and how his addition could elevate an already potent defense. We will explore his background, his playing style, and the role he’s expected to fill in the Cowboys’ defense, shedding light on why his arrival could be a game-changer for the franchise.
Who is Jack Sanborn?
Before delving into the specifics of how he fits with the Cowboys, it’s important to understand the background of Jack Sanborn. A standout linebacker from the University of Wisconsin, Sanborn earned his stripes in one of the most competitive conferences in college football, the Big Ten. A captain for the Wisconsin Badgers, Sanborn was known for his leadership, work ethic, and ability to read offenses. His football IQ was off the charts, and his consistent ability to make plays in critical moments made him one of the top linebackers in college football during his tenure.
Sanborn’s college career was marked by his exceptional tackling ability, high motor, and versatility. He finished his career with 408 total tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and make decisive decisions in the middle of the field stood out. While not necessarily the most explosive athlete in terms of raw speed, Sanborn’s instincts allowed him to make up for it in spades, as he was often in the right place at the right time.
Following a successful college career, Sanborn entered the 2025 NFL Draft and impressed scouts with his work ethic, leadership, and physicality. Although he wasn’t viewed as a surefire first-round pick, his intangibles and ability to contribute right away were undeniable. After a highly competitive rookie minicamp, Sanborn earned an opportunity to play for the Cowboys, who were in the market for a linebacker to bolster their defensive depth.
Why Jack Sanborn is Exactly What the Cowboys Need
The Dallas Cowboys have spent years building a defense that can compete at the highest levels of the NFL. With players like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and DeMarcus Lawrence, the Cowboys’ defensive line and secondary have been solidified as one of the league’s best. However, linebacker has remained a key area where the Cowboys have been looking for an identity.
In recent years, the Cowboys’ linebacker corps, led by veteran players like Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith, has been solid, but there have been questions regarding their ability to consistently cover ground, make critical stops, and impact the game in key moments. While Vander Esch remains a key part of the defense, the Cowboys needed someone with a bit more edge, tenacity, and aggressiveness—qualities that Jack Sanborn brings in abundance.
- A High Football IQ and Quick Decision-Making Ability
One of the key traits that stand out about Jack Sanborn is his ability to read the offense and react with precision. As a linebacker, his role is to diagnose plays in real time, which requires immense mental fortitude and football IQ. Sanborn’s ability to quickly decipher offensive schemes and react accordingly will give the Cowboys an edge. He is the type of player who is always in the right spot at the right time, and that instinct for making split-second decisions is crucial when facing some of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL.
For a defense as aggressive as the Cowboys’, having a linebacker who can quickly assess the field and communicate effectively with his teammates is invaluable. Sanborn’s cerebral approach to the game will allow the Cowboys’ defense to operate with more fluidity and cohesiveness, enabling them to be more aggressive in coverage and run defense.
- Aggression and Physicality
Sanborn is known for his physicality and tough style of play, which makes him a perfect fit for the Cowboys’ defense, where aggression is a key component of the team’s identity. In his rookie season with the Cowboys, Sanborn is expected to play with a chip on his shoulder, bringing a tenacious mentality that matches the Cowboys’ ethos.
Sanborn’s ability to take on blockers and set the edge in run defense will provide the Cowboys with a much-needed force in the middle of their defense. His strength and physicality also make him an asset in tackling situations, as he isn’t afraid to take on ball carriers head-on and secure key stops. As teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers continue to dominate the run game in the NFC, having a linebacker like Sanborn, who can stand his ground in the trenches, will be crucial to neutralizing some of the most powerful running backs in the league.
- Leadership and Intangibles
Another key aspect of Sanborn’s impact on the Cowboys’ defense is his leadership. As a former captain at Wisconsin, Sanborn brings a wealth of experience in leading by example and inspiring his teammates. His ability to rally those around him, hold his peers accountable, and be a vocal presence on the field is something that will resonate in the Cowboys’ locker room. In fact, it’s one of the reasons why Sanborn stood out to Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ coaching staff—they knew they needed someone who could take charge on defense, communicate clearly with the defensive backs, and inspire the younger players to follow suit.
For a team like the Cowboys, who already have several stars on the defensive side of the ball, adding a player with the leadership qualities of Sanborn could be the missing link to solidify their defense even further. His ability to motivate his teammates and elevate their level of play could be the key to unlocking even more potential from the Cowboys’ defense.
- Versatility and Coverage Skills
In today’s NFL, linebackers need to be more than just run stoppers; they need to be capable in coverage, especially when defending against the passing game. Sanborn’s ability to cover ground in the middle of the field and stay with running backs and tight ends in pass coverage will make him a crucial asset for the Cowboys. Whether it’s covering a crossing route or getting depth in a zone coverage scheme, Sanborn’s football IQ and awareness make him an ideal candidate to patrol the middle of the field.
While Micah Parsons will often be the player getting the headlines, Sanborn’s versatility allows him to complement Parsons in a way that maximizes the potential of the Cowboys’ entire defense. By having a linebacker like Sanborn who is capable of both stopping the run and effectively covering in the passing game, the Cowboys will be better equipped to handle offenses with multiple weapons in both phases.
How Jack Sanborn Fits into the Cowboys’ Defensive Scheme
Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn has built a system that thrives on speed, physicality, and versatility. The Cowboys have one of the most aggressive and dynamic defenses in the league, and Sanborn’s skill set fits perfectly within Quinn’s scheme. The Cowboys often rely on their linebackers to cover a lot of ground, especially in a 4-3 base defense, where the middle linebacker plays a significant role in reading the offense and making plays on the ball.
Sanborn’s ability to both play the run and drop into coverage will allow Quinn to use him in a variety of ways. He can line up inside and help stop the run, or he can drop back in coverage on passing downs, allowing the Cowboys to create mismatches. His quick decision-making and smarts will help Quinn keep opposing quarterbacks guessing.
Additionally, Sanborn’s familiarity with a high-pressure system, where linebackers are often asked to blitz and disrupt the quarterback, should allow him to thrive in Quinn’s aggressive scheme. His knack for reading plays and reacting quickly should give him the ability to generate pressure, either through blitzes or by filling gaps in the running game.