The NFL Draft is all about managing risk and deciding when it’s okay to swing for the fences. The Dallas Cowboys generally like to take “safe” players early and take their biggest swings later in the draft.
That’s why they so often select offensive linemen in Round 1, as they believe their floors are generally higher. And it’s hard to disagree after picking players like Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, Zack Martin, Tyler Smith, and Tyler Booker all in the first round over the last 15 years.
That’s why it wasn’t a surprise that Dallas targeted Caleb Downs in Round 1, who was widely considered the safest player in the draft. However, they took some bigger swings later in the draft, especially on Day 3. The selection of Devin Moore was a swing-for-the-fences type of move that could pay huge dividends for the Cowboys.
In a recent article by Mike Sando of The Athletic, he spoke with several NFL executives and asked them to give their thoughts on each draft class. The Cowboys received several high marks, especially with the selections of Caleb Downs (No. 11) and Jaishawn Barham (No. 92). But it was the selection of Moore that gained the attention of one executive:
“Devin Moore’s injury history is concerning. He will not have a long career. But if you are going to take a risk, take it with a talented guy at a premium position that gets heavily paid in the market. If you get a starter or even a third corner, that is worth it.”
The Dallas Cowboys' selection of Devin Moore could pay huge dividends
Moore’s injury history is well-documented and extensive. He’s missed time with a groin injury (2025), AC joint sprain (2024), right labrum injury (2024), back spasms (2023), and left shoulder injury (2022). He’s had multiple surgeries on his shoulders, and that caused him to start just 17 games over four seasons at Florida.
There is a good chance that Moore’s body just won’t be able to hold up to the physicality of the NFL, as the unnamed exec mentioned. In fact, there is a chance that he doesn’t even practice enough to warrant a spot on the 53-man roster. Dallas could try to “redshirt” him in 2026, allowing his body to heal and hopefully toughen up before putting him on the field in 2027.
However, the reason why this was such a smart selection is that if he hits, this could be one of their starting outside cornerbacks as soon as this season. He is more talented than Shavon Revel coming out of college and he has rare size and athleticism. But he’s hardly had the chance to show that off in college.
Moore will start the offseason workouts and training camp buried on the depth chart. But if he can stay healthy, and that’s always a big if for him, don’t be surprised if he passes up other highly drafted cornerbacks on this roster.
The Cowboys have had some recent success with Day 3 cornerbacks, and Moore certainly has the talent to be the next draft steal. We will see if that ends up being the case.
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