It should come as no surprise to LSU fans that Jabril Cox is among the top performers in the NFL preseason. As a member of the Tigers defense, Cox racked up 58 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, one sack, three interceptions with one going for a touchdown. Cox also had five passes defended and one fumble recovery.
As a senior, Jabril Cox was everywhere on defense. He provides help against the run and in the passing game. Last year PFF graded him at 72.8 overall but was second on the team in coverage with a grade of 83.5. Only cornerback Eli Ricks was better in the passing game.
Among rookie linebackers graded against the run, Cox is the No. 2 graded player at 76.2 according to PFF. His Dallas Cowboys teammate Micah Parsons coming in at No. 1 overall.
Cox finished his third preseason game with the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday night, where he once again led the team in total tackles. In three games, the former LSU linebacker has 15 total tackles and three TFLs. Something that the Cowboys should get used to seeing. He has a nose for the football when he is on the field.
Currently, Jabril Cox is behind both Keanu Neal and Jaylon Smith on the Cowboys depth chart posted on ESPN. However, it shouldn’t take long for the young linebacker to overtake Smith. Cox has the advantage of having no limitations in chasing down offensive players, plus he isn’t a liability when it comes to pass coverage.
Until the time comes, Jabril Cox will likely see time on special teams and some sub-packages as a rotational linebacker in 2021.