When the Dallas Cowboys selected linebacker Marist Liufau in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, it raised plenty of eyebrows. Critics argued that Liufau was projected to go in the later rounds due to perceived weaknesses, and the Cowboys’ decision to take him so early was questioned. Without a fourth-round pick, however, Dallas made a bold move to grab him—and now, their confidence in the rookie is proving to be well-founded.
The Cowboys have shown from the start that Liufau was not drafted to be a role player relegated to special teams. Instead, they’ve entrusted him with significant responsibility, making him a critical piece in their defensive rotation. Liufau has quickly risen up the depth chart and now finds himself as essentially the third linebacker on the team, surpassing expectations for a rookie many doubted.
As Cowboys content creator Foots The King noted on social media, Liufau is out-snapping Damone Clark, who was a key starter for the Cowboys last season, starting all 17 games. According to Pro Football Reference, Liufau has logged 39% of the defensive snaps this season, compared to Clark’s 26%. In a short time, the rookie has displaced Clark, a move that underscores just how much faith the Cowboys have in Liufau’s potential.
While Liufau hasn’t been flawless—missing some assignments earlier in the season, particularly in run defense—his overall impact has been impressive for a rookie. His speed, aggression, and ability to make game-changing plays have been evident as he adjusts to the NFL’s fast pace. During Sunday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Liufau played a pivotal role in the Cowboys’ strong defensive performance. He came up with a crucial pass breakup on a third-and-one, showcasing his speed and physicality in coverage, and graded as the team’s fourth-best defender in the game. His ability to close in on receivers with precision was on full display in this play, where he disrupted a key pass to Steelers quarterback Justin Fields’ target.
The Cowboys’ defense, despite battling injuries, has started to find its identity over the last few weeks. Back-to-back victories over the New York Giants and Steelers have highlighted the improving chemistry within the unit, thanks in part to better play from the defensive line and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s adjustments in the linebacker corps. Liufau’s emergence has been a crucial factor in this defensive resurgence. Zimmer appears to be figuring out the best roles for his linebackers, and Liufau has solidified himself as an essential piece in that equation.
The road ahead won’t get easier for the Cowboys, as they are set to face the high-powered Detroit Lions offense next week. However, with the defense finding its groove and Zimmer tweaking the unit to play to its strengths, there’s growing optimism that Dallas can continue to compete at a high level. Liufau, despite his rookie status, has proven to be a key contributor, helping the Cowboys defense regain its form even amidst adversity.
The Cowboys’ decision to take a gamble on Liufau in the third round is paying off, silencing the doubters and reaffirming the organization’s belief in his potential. While there’s still plenty of room for growth, Liufau’s rapid rise to prominence shows how quickly things can shift in the NFL—and how sometimes, the gamble is worth it.
