ESPN names DeMarvion Overshown as Dallas Cowboys' X-factor for 2024

Even the most star-studded NFL teams see unheralded players rise up and take center stage. This coming season, the Dallas Cowboys are hoping 2023 third-round pick DeMarvion Overshown can do just that.

ESPN released a pre-season prediction column by Ben Solak, who believes Overshown can be the biggest X-factor for the Cowboys in 2024.

Solak highlighted the fact that Overshown is a converted safety. Dallas' former defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn, has a track record of successfully helping players like him make the conversion, as noted by Solak.

New coordinator Mike Zimmer has not traditionally gone this route, but Solak highlighted the traits that could make Overshown a worthy three-down linebacker in this scheme.

"Overshown is Dallas' best bet at finding a three-down linebacker on the roster -- better than Bell, Kendricks or 2024 third-round selection Marist Liufau. Of the undersized options, he has the sideline-to-sideline range and violence into contact that will remain viable against the run. If he converts two promising preseasons into successful regular-season play, he'll quickly become a playmaker Zimmer deploys on his complex blitzes, too."

As a safety at Texas, Overshown played both safety and linebacker. He tallied 249 total tackles, 29.5 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, and three interceptions playing for the Longhorns.

Overshown was expected to play a role last season for the Cowboys. However, his rookie campaign was cut short due to a torn ACL that ended his season before it ever began.