Jack Sanborn received a draftable grade from many prognosticators leading up to the 2022 exercise. In fact, The Athletic's Dane Brugler placed him one slot higher than Dallas' fifth-round pick Damone Clark, at No. 23. The UDFA has spent his entire career playing for Matt Eberflus, the Cowboys' new defensive coordinator, hitting restricted free agency after three years and not receiving a tender from the Chicago Bears.

So now he finds himself in Texas, ready to battle for a bigger role. Sanborn has middle linebacker experience, and the Cowboys might choose to give him the green dot to relay the commands from Eberflus; at least to begin the season. That could help bridge the gap in a similar way to how Eric Kendricks worked for Mike Zimmer last year.

Rundown

Dec 26, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) enters the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

Position: Linebacker

Age: 25 (Week 1 age)

Height: 6-foot-2

Weight: 234 pounds

Hometown: Lake Zurich, IL

High School: Lake Zurich

Draft: 2022 Undrafted Free Agent

Acquired: 2025 Free Agency

Contract: One-year contract (2025), $1.5 million

2025 Base Salary: $1.2 million

Profile

Oct 13, 2024; London, United Kingdom; Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) after an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-Imagn Images

Sanborn has started 19 games across his career, so if he can manage to make the roster and land the starting gig, it won't be unfamiliar to him. Murray has MLB experience as well, as does second-year player Marist Liafau, a player drafted under the previous regime. Clark is from two coordinators ago, so it remains to be seen where the new Eberflus staff lands on his prospects.

The Cowboys also drafted Shemar James on Day 3 back in April, adding him and UDFA Justin Barron to the mix alongside veteran Darius Harris. There could be an extra roster spot available as DeMarvion Overshown works his way back from his ACL injury.

The fanbase seems intently intrigued by Sanborn's upside as a player in a new location. Oftentimes it takes linebackers a few years to settle into the pro game, and Sanborn's strength as a run stuffer with an attacking mindset could endear him to the fanbase as that is something that's been missing from the depth chart more often than not recently.