Cowboys' Anthony Hitchens: Will compete for starting middle linebacker spot

Hitchens is the favorite to start at middle linebacker while Rolando McClain serves his 10-game suspension, Dallas Morning News reports.

He's started 20 games over the last two years filling in for McClain and Sean Lee, and that familiarity with the system gives Hitchens an edge over veteran Andrew Gachkar and second-year player Mark Nzeocha. Hitchens' production took a step backwards last season though, and if the ultra-athletic Nzeocha flashes in training camp and the preseason he could put a lot of pressure on Hitchens for the job.