Much has been made about the competition on the Dallas Cowboys' defense ahead of the 2026 NFL season, and for good reason. If new defensive coordinator Christian Parker can have this group play at even a below-average level, and not league-worst, the Cowboys will be a playoff team.
At the forefront of these discussions about positional battles is who will start at cornerback opposite Daron Bland, that is, if Bland is even healthy or adept enough to stave off several promising options. The two names most commonly thrown out there are Cobie Durant and Shavon Revel Jr.
But Dallas is in no position to be closing the door on any options to start or rotate in on the boundary. And given both his pedigree and lack of surefire options currently ahead of him on the depth chart, Devin Moore, a Day 3 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, may be closer to having a role than most realize.
4th-rounder Devin Moore could shake up Dallas Cowboys' CB depth chart
The selection of Moore was widely praised back in April, but other cornerbacks got more shine during the offseason program. Durant made a huge impression, Revel Jr. is as healthy as he's been, and even Caelen Carson had his share of moments. Competition will be stiff in training camp.
Moore, however, is built to thrive when the pads come on. His big and physical frame will allow him to battle with star wideouts like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens by challenging them in press coverage. He is physical at the catch point and displays toughness as a run defender.
None of that can really shine through in OTAs or mandatory minicamp, when contact isn't allowed. But these strong points in Moore's game can now be demonstrated with the live bullets flying in Oxnard at the end of July. And these practices matter way more than the ones in the spring do.
Of course, Moore doesn't have the best mirroring ability, and his general lack of quickness and speed makes him a target in zone coverage. But as he continues to be further removed from injuries in college, Moore can start playing more freely and pick up a step or two, now that he's healthy.
And while Durant, Revel Jr. and Carson have flashed, they haven't done anything yet to solidify their spots in the starting lineup or in the rotation. So, the light has been left on for Moore to make an impact in training camp, which could put him firmly in the conversation for a role.
We haven't even discussed the fact that Bland's injury status is always a question mark, and he may not ever be the cornerback that he was back in 2022 or 2023. Although Cowboys fans aren't hoping for that to be the case, it certainly factors into Moore's potential upward mobility.
While all the talk has centered around Durant, Revel Jr., and even Carson, Moore isn't all that far from being a relevant piece in the Cowboys' secondary. He'll need to put his physicality on display to the coaching staff, but that shouldn't be too tall a task for the former Florida Gator.
Add us as a preferred source on Google