The Dallas Cowboys‘ defense went through quite the transformation in the offseason and is already off to a decent start at training camp.
Roughly half the defense will be filled with new starters in 2026. They are getting some much-needed reinforcements from Rashan Gary, Cobie Durant, Jalen Thompson, Malik Hooker, and rookie Caleb Downs.
Dallas is hoping to get some more help from their secondary, which was ranked as the worst pass defense in the NFL last season. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker might have his eyes set on one defensive back to help.
Christian Parker Looking at Cowboys Second-Year Player to Step Up
GettyDallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
Parker spoke with reporters at practice on Wednesday. He had a chance to talk about cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. and how he is doing so far in camp.
“The next step for him is for him to be able to live on a single play. What I mean by that is, ‘What’s the split here? What’s the situation? Who am I defending with a certain play call?’ Because he has all of the physical attributes, so everything with him now is working on everything from the neck up and just make sure we’re thinking the game properly. That’s a quick two-or-three second assessment, because once you get in your stance and ready to play ball, you want to play with a clear mind. Being able to do that and finish plays. He’s doing a good job, he’s extremely hard-working. He wants to be coached. He runs toward that. We’re real excited about how he’s progressing with everything we’re doing so far.”
“The next step for him is for him to be able to live on a single play. What I mean by that is, ‘What’s the split here? What’s the situation? Who am I defending with a certain play call?’ Because he has all of the physical
Revel missed the first 10 games of the season while recovering from the ACL injury he suffered at East Carolina. In the seven games he did play, he racked up 35 tackles, 3 pass deflections, and 1 tackle for loss.
Cowboys Need Shavon Revel Jr. to Step Up in 2026 on Defense
GettyShavon Revel Jr. #27 of the Dallas Cowboys
Revel may not be in the starting lineup when the season starts in 2026, but he will be in the conversation. He is currently listed as the backup to Durant on the depth chart.
Last season, Revel showed great potential, as he got better as the season went on. He was a rookie and still had some things to clean up, but for someone who missed significant time in 2026, he played well.
The Cowboys’ defense is still trying to find its identity and get the right players in place. Revel is trying to make a convincing argument to get into that conversation.
He was one of the best cornerbacks in college back in 2024. If it hadn’t been for the ACL injury, he might have landed late in the first round.
Now, the Cowboys might have one of the biggest steals of the 2025 NFL Draft in their secondary. It all comes down to how Revel plays during training camp and if he can separate himself from the rest. The next four weeks will determine where he stands within the depth chart.
Christian Parker Gave Cowboys’ 35-Tackle CB Honest Evaluation