DaRon Bland was known for his 2023 All-Pro season, when he led the NFL in interceptions and set a single-season record in pick-sixes. Now, with the addition of Shavon Revel in his second season after a major injury, he's been making plays in training camp, and Bland cannot ignore it.
This summer, Revel has been making pass breakups and making phenomenal hits. Per Joseph Hoyt, he laid a hit stick on one of the Los Angeles Rams' running backs, and the ball popped out. We've heard nothing but great things from him this summer, and that's going to continue.
But will it go as far as Revel leapfrogging Bland as the No. 1 cornerback? He's making plays against CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, and his presence can no longer be ignored.
Shavon Revel's contributions could end him up at the No. 1 cornerback
Shavon Revel Jr. throws a body on CeeDee Lamb and the secondary is loving it pic.twitter.com/KPZxYVDHfa
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) August 9, 2026
Revel has one goal: to be the best cornerback in the game. That's at least some ultra-confidence compared to what Revel had last year. He was recovering from a major injury he suffered at East Carolina, and he's already posted his explosive workout routine, signaling that he has fully recovered.
Last season, he had major fundamental issues, like tackling, first and foremost, but his movement is a lot better, and it's translating on the field. Could that mean that Revel's abilities eventually make him the No. 1 corner? Maybe, especially if Bland keeps on the stationary trajectory he's been on.
Last year, Bland had a 65.3 grade on Pro Football Focus, ranked 46th out of 114. He's been a long way from his All-Pro season in 2023, and it's starting to fade away for him. Of course, it's a high bar to set, but there was high potential for a new Cowboys CB to become a star two years after Trevon Diggs' amazing 2021 campaign.
The Cowboys have had recent success at the CB position, and Revel shining in training camp is no different. He can take on some No. 1 wide receivers in the league, and he's making a heck of a case as we speak.
There's still a lot of work to be done, but Revel came into the offseason as one of the overlooked Cowboys on the 2026 roster. If he continues to showcase his elite body control and discipline, he can become the No. 1 CB at some point.
It also highlights a huge improvement over what was once a disaster of a rookie season. It's also a chance for Bland to show he's the No. 1 corner because, if we're being honest, the future sophomore CB is trending in the right direction.
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