It's easy to get lost in the moment during training camp, but when's the last time you can recall a Dallas Cowboys defense dominating to the extent Christian Parker's group did on Monday?
It was the first padded practice of camp, and the defense made life hell for the offense. All three levels played lights out, but the secondary's performance was arguably the most encouraging development. From Shavon Revel to Derion Kendrick and Julius Wood, everyone stepped up.
That includes rookie Devin Moore, the Cowboys' fourth-round pick out of Florida. If it feels like you haven't heard much about him in Oxnard, that's because you haven't.
That's not necessarily a bad thing, but Moore changed the narrative on Monday, turning a quiet camp into a loud one after an outstanding rep isolated in coverage against CeeDee Lamb (h/t Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for the video).
Devin Moore locked up CeeDee Lamb in Cowboys' first padded practice of training camp
During a red zone drill, the Cowboys had CeeDee Lamb run a goal-line fade. Not an easy assignment for any cornerback, let alone a Day 3 rookie looking to climb the depth chart. Moore didn't give an inch, using his length and physicality to thwart Lamb at the catch point.
Moore then proved he's got the cornerback mentality by letting Lamb know he'd just clamped him. You absolutely want your cornerbacks to be dripping in confidence.
Arguably the second-most difficult position in the sport behind quarterback, CBs need unwavering confidence because every snap puts them on an island. You love to see Moore back up his rep with a little trash talk.
Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come from the Florida Gator. The Cowboys will introduce 1-on-1 drills on Tuesday, giving Moore a platform to showcase his coverage skills.
Cowboys CB Devin Moore must prove he can stay healthy
Injuries are the only reason Moore fell to the fourth round this year. He only played 30 games over four years in Gainesville, including just 17 starts. Shoulder injuries shortened two of his college seasons, while a concussion and a back injury limited him to five games in 2023.
However, Moore rebounded to play 12 games as a senior. It wasn't enough to dissuade concerns about his durability, but he looked the part, allowing just a 70.0 passer rating when targeted while posting an 81.8 run-defense grade, per Pro Football Focus.
At 6-foot-3 with 31 5/8" inch arms, Moore is built to thrive as a press-man corner. Just like Shavon Revel, he'll have to prove he can hold his own in zone looks, but Monday's rep against Lamb is exactly what the Cowboys envisioned when they drafted him in April.
Moore couldn't have defended the route better than he did. His quiet camp suddenly isn't so quiet anymore. Shutting down an end zone target for CeeDee Lamb will do that.
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