Cowboys draft Marist Liufau in 3rd round

The Dallas Cowboys selected Notre Dame linebacker Marist Liufau in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, No. 87 overall.

Liufau started 25 games for Notre Dame over the last two campaigns, totaling 95 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

The 23-year-old will compete for special team reps and could blossom into a solid starter for Dallas in the near future.

Pre-draft profile

Liufau's future suitor needs to give him a lot of space. He projects best as a developmental weakside linebacker. His play against the run can be enticing but is far too inconsistent to rely on. What's more, his play recognition leaves a lot to be desired and, while Liafau's length gives him good leverage to get off blocks, his strength to disengage is also worrying. But he naturally looks good covering ground, both downhill and laterally. Liufau will be further along in coverage than most linebackers picked in his slot - likely Day 3 - and is also a capable blitzer.