With linebacker Rolando McClain’s 10-game suspension heaving an Everest-sized monkey wrench at the Cowboys’ depth chart (again), speculation now runs rampant regarding how they will address the gaping hole in the middle of their defense.

While the internal options may not seem too appealing initially, one player in particular could use this opportunity to show out at training camp.

Born and raised in Germany, Mark Nzeocha was a seventh-round pick of the Cowboys in the 2015 NFL draft. He stands as another player who represents the outside-the-box thinking Dallas has utilized in recent years to upgrade the roster and hopefully uncover hidden gems.

Nzeocha did not begin playing football until he was 14 years old, and in 2009 was a standout member of the German national team during the IFAF Junior World Cup. His play on the international level would eventually earn him a scholarship to the University of Wyoming.

Nzeocha spent four years at Wyoming rotating between safety and linebacker (both strongside and middle). He gradually earned more playing time by creating splash plays when given opportunities, and proving himself on special teams because he’d see his 2014 season cut short due to a torn ACL.

He was, however, still able to record 59 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception in only seven games, proving he can be an impact player.

It’s obvious how much the Cowboys value athleticism when identifying players to add to the defensive side of the ball, as defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli loves guys who can be moved around to different positions on demand; and Nzeocha is no stranger to doing just that.

Although he only participated in the bench press at the NFL combine (24 reps at 225 pounds), his pro-day numbers were intriguing. He posted a 39-inch vertical, an 11-foot broad jump, and ran the 40 in 4.52 seconds. His SPARQ score also graded extremely high, a metric used to measure a prospect’s overall athleticism.

Nzeocha posted a pSPARQ score of 140.7, placing him in the 95th percentile of available linebackers in his draft class. The Cowboys are heart-eye emojis when it comes to SPARQy players, which is why with even a loaded backfield they still took a flyer on RB Darius Jackson in the sixth round of this year’s draft (another SPARQ superstar).

Despite being a seventh-round draft pick with limited football experience and coming off a major injury, Nzeocha maintained his roster spot the entire 2015 season by Dallas. This included him appearing in only two games for the Cowboys last year; playing a total of 14 special teams snaps against both the Jets as well as in the season finale versus the Redskins.

The Cowboys clearly see something worth hanging onto in Nzeocha. The 26-year-old was a bit aged for a rookie, but perhaps being more developed physically and mentally has allowed him to stick around. His athleticism is undeniable, but he must learn to trust his instincts on the field more consistently and up his NFL IQ before he can be effectively depended on week to week.

While McClain was avoiding voluntary OTAs this offseason, Nzeocha and fellow 2015 draft pick Damien Wilson (127th overall) were securing additional practice reps. McClain’s tenure as a Cowboy is likely dwindling, and Dallas will need several players to step up for their defense to have any semblance of respectability next season.

Nzeocha may not be ready to be the Week 1 starter in the opener against the rival Giants, but aside from his special teams’ contributions he could also shoulder some of the middle linebacker burden in 2016. And it may be the chance he needs to prove himself worthy of remaining there.