It's not hyperbole to say the cornerback position will be the Dallas Cowboys' biggest determinant of how much they improve, specifically on defense. And while it may not feel like it, it's the biggest make-or-break position on the entire roster because it's where they need to take the largest step up.
The Cowboys fielded the NFL's worst pass defense in 2025, but they're banking on a revamped cornerback room to be the spark that turns their entire defense around. But unfortunately, their CB rotation is riddled with question marks, many of which could hurt this unit as much as help it.
There is a lot of potential, but not a single cornerback on the depth chart is a sure thing. Right now, the starting corners are DaRon Bland and one of Shavon Revel Jr. or Cobie Durant on the outside, and Caleb Down in the nickel. There are a lot of question marks with each of these players.
Dallas Cowboys need a lot to go right for their CB room to improve
Dallas is lucky they brought in DB guru Christian Parker to be their new defensive coordinator and work with these guys, but red flags are still flying. Let's start with Bland, because his inability to stay healthy has plagued this defense across the last two seasons, and he will still play a key role.
It wasn't long ago that the 27-year-old led the NFL with nine interceptions (and five pick-sixes) in 2023, but he's only played 19 games in the two years since. Recent history suggests that the $92 million man can't stay healthy. And he did not participate in offseason activities.
And then there's Durant, who was one of the bigger free-agent signings the Cowboys made this offseason. While he was a solid starter in Los Angeles last season, he has some issues of his own, so the Rams were quick to cast him aside in favor of Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie.
The fifth-year cornerback is far from a sure thing. According to Pro Football Focus, Durant's 66.8 PFF grade ranked 39th out of 114 qualified CBs, while his 67.4 coverage grade ranked 37th. However, he allowed an 85.6 passer rating when targeted, and is also pretty below average as a run defender.
Then there's Revel, who's facing similar question marks to both of them. The 2025 third-round pick out of East Carolina missed the first 10 games of last season while rehabbing from the ACL tear that ended his college career. And once he returned, it got worse for him, as he played at less than 100%.
Revel was a traffic cone in coverage once he came back. His 35.2 PFF grade and 34.6 coverage grade both ranked dead last among qualified CBs, and he allowed a 119.7 passer rating when targeted. But as he goes through his first healthy offseason, there's reason to believe he can return to his old form.
Some people believe that the cornerback position is under-addressed in Dallas. But if everyone is healthy and hits the ceiling that we know they're capable of, the Cowboys could have three quality starting corners. Dallas is making a series of gambles either way, though.
Add us as a preferred source on Google