INACTIVE

Leighton
Vander Esch

#55

DAL Cowboys

6'4"

256lbs

29y/o

Overall Grade '23

65.5

Not Enough Snaps

Snap Count '23

269

84th/179 - LBs

Tackles '23

Not Enough Snaps

Pressures '23

Not Enough Snaps

Leighton

Vander Esch

#55

DAL Cowboys

BIO

GRADES

SEASON STATS

View in Premium Stats

Summary Bio

Last updated: 3/30/2026

Leighton Vander Esch was a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys who earned a 65.5 overall PFF defensive grade in the 2023 season, 0th among 83 qualified linebackers. His PFF coverage grade of 62.4 ranked 0th among 83 qualified linebackers. His run-defense grade of 70.0 ranked 0th at the position. His pass-rush grade of 51.0 ranked 0th among qualified linebackers.

He recorded 22 solo tackles on the season. Vander Esch generated 3 total pressures including 0 sacks as a blitzer. He allowed a 87.2 passer rating when targeted in coverage. He was charged with 0 missed tackles over the course of the year.

Career

Teams

Year

Dallas Cowboys

2018 - 2023

Boise State Broncos

2014 - 2017

Honors

Honor

Year

AP second-team All-Pro

2018

PFF101

2018

PFF second-team All-Pro

2018

Pro Bowl selection

2018

Step up your game with PFF+

Make winning decisions all season long with exclusive data and insights.

Season Stats

2023

Regular

Players receive a ranking if they qualify 25% of the maximum targets, run attempts or dropbacks at the position (depending on the metric).

SOLO TACKLES

No Data - Not Ranked

SACKS

No Data - Not Ranked

ASSISTS

No Data - Not Ranked

FORCED FUMBLES

No Data - Not Ranked

Defense

View in Premium Stats

Rank

Solo Tackles

Assists

Forced Fumbles

Stops

Sacks

Missed Tackles

Passer Rating Allowed

87.2

Total Pressures

Snaps

View in Premium Stats

Rank

Total Snaps

269

Run Defense Snaps

105

Pass Rush Snaps

Coverage Snaps

133

Leighton Vander Esch

Summary Bio

Career

Honors

PFF Grades

Season Stats

Defense

Snaps

Leighton
Vander Esch