They'd never say it publicly, but Jerry Jones and Brian Schottenheimer had to be relieved when George Pickens showed up to The Star this week for mandatory minicamp. That was all anyone cared about, and for good reason, but now that Pickens is in the building, Dallas Cowboys fans can turn their attention to what's happening on the field.
Minicamp is a lot like OTAs in that players are not in pads and tackling isn't allowed. It's designed to favor the offense -- and makes it tough to evaluate player performance in general -- but the play of Shavon Revel Jr. on Day 1 cannot go ignored.
Patrik Walker of DallasCowboys.com admitted to keeping a close eye on first-round pick Caleb Downs, but it was Revel who hijacked his eyeballs.
"The second-year cornerback isn't wearing a brace on his knee anymore, and is moving extremely well, whereas he seemed a bit unsure and very measured in his movements last season as he worked to return from a torn ACL. Revel looks ready to prove he might be back at top form."
Much like Jaydon Blue on the offensive side of the ball, it's hard to put into words how huge it would be for the defense if Revel breaks through in Year 2. It's only June, but so far, so good.
Revel also broke up a pass in team drills, per Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com, so the young CB is walking the walk after telling reporters during OTAs that his knee is 100 percent healthy.
Shavon Revel Jr. looks the part at Dallas Cowboys minicamp
As Walker and others have noted, Revel has shed the knee brace he wore last season after completing his ACL rehab. It wasn't just a sleeve; it was a bulky brace that likely limited his mobility and may have affected his confidence as he worked his way back.
It's fair to say his movement and fluidity are night and day compared to his rookie year. As such, his confidence seems to be restored. That is just as important as his knee returning to full health.
Cornerback is arguably the most difficult position on the field. It demands complete trust in your body and ability. Any hesitation can be the difference between breaking up a pass and giving up an explosive play.
Growing pains were expected out of Revel, but it was clear last year that he didn't fully trust his body or his role in Matt Eberflus' scheme. While learning off coverage was always going to be part of the transition, he also struggled in press man, where he excelled at East Carolina.
While Revel allowed a manageable 67.7 percent completion rate when targeted, he allowed 14.0 yards per catch, two touchdowns, and a 119.7 passer rating, per Pro Football Focus premium stats. That all added up to a lowly 34.6 coverage grade.
Again, that's not who Revel is.
He's in a much better place physically and mentally, and he's now working with a coaching staff that's equipped to maximize his strengths and guide him through the inevitable ups and downs.
Minicamp form should always be taken with a grain of salt, but with Revel, the focus was always on his health. The fact he's already making plays in team drills is simply a bonus, albeit a welcome one.
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