This player getting less time at his position may be a good thing overall

The Dallas Cowboys defense struggled severely in the prior season, ranking near the bottom across major categories. Rookie linebacker Shemar James, selected 152nd overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, began slowly after missing three games as inactive. He debuted in Week 4 against the Green Bay Packers and recorded five tackles. In Week 5 versus the New York Giants, he produced 17 tackles, the second-highest total for a rookie in Cowboys history. He started the next four games, later losing some playing time after DeMarvion Overshown returned from injury. James finished with 91 tackles, starting six of 14 games, and became the team’s leading tackler. His role in Christian Parker’s new versatile 3-4 scheme remains undefined despite his production. Additional linebacker additions could push him down the depth chart, potentially reducing his role in Year 2, though his speed could still fit coverage responsibilities.

"The Dallas Cowboys defense was absolutely putrid a season ago. They were one of the worst, if not the worst, defensive units in the entire league, finishing near the bottom in every single category. There were a few bright spots from their play last year, and rookie linebacker Shemar James may have been one of them."

"In Week 5 against the New York Giants, James exploded with 17 tackles, the second-most for a rookie in Cowboys history. From there, he ended up starting the next four games, but eventually took a backseat to DeMarvion Overshown once he returned from injury. James ended his rookie season starting six of 14 games and ended up being the Cowboys leading tackler (91) in his first year in Dallas."

"Despite having exceeding all expectations as a fifth-round pick as well as leading the Cowboys in tackles, No. 50 is currently facing an undefined role in the Christian Parker's new versatile 3-4 scheme. That seems a little strange considering he was the team's leading tackler last year, but that's how things stand right now."

"The Cowboys current LB depth seems to be better on paper than it did a season ago, even if it might be incomplete. The trade for Dee Winters, a healthy DeMarvion Overshown, and drafting Jaishawn Barham could push Shemar James further down the depth chart, which likely means a lesser defensive role in Year 2. Fortunately for him nothing is written in stone as of yet."

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