Blogging The Boys
The cornerback position is far from locked down.
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%.
Keep an eye on these names you may have forgotten about.
OT Ajani Cornelius
There’s no secret that the Dallas Cowboys have a really strong offense. As long as QB Dak Prescott is healthy, the team routinely finds themselves in, or in close proximity to, top-5 ranking in many metrics for that side of the ball. The one roster weakness they have there, though, is at the tackle position. Neither Tyler Guyton nor Terence Steele inspire visions of Pro Bowl appearances or All-Pro accolades. Most conversations around who could challenge them are centered around Nate Thomas or this year’s fourth-round pick Drew Shelton.Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
But perhaps Cornelius, who is in the same position this season as Thomas was last year, could shockingly join the conversation. The No. 204 selection from 2025 out of Oregon, Cornelius was identified by this current staff as someone they hoped to develop. There are several people in his way, but the climb to the top isn’t nearly as steep as other positions.
TE Michael Trigg
There’s no...
