The Dallas Cowboys defense was one of the worst in the NFL last season, leaving plenty to work on this offseason.
Dallas tried to fix it by trading with the Green Bay Packers for Rashan Gary. The Cowboys also added Cobie Durant, Jalen Thompson, Caleb Downs, Malachi Lawrence, and most recently Von Miller through free agency and the draft.
All this work was meant to help the unit look like it could compete with the best in 2026. This improved defense has some watching for a leap in 2026, with one position starting to catch people’s attention.
Dallas Cowboys Position That’s One to Watch in 2026
GettyDallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
ESPN’s Mike Clay went through every position group in the NFL and ranked each of them. Dallas’ cornerbacks were ranked 19th against the rest of the CB rooms in the league, but Clay also named them the one to watch this season.
“The Cowboys’ roster is looking pretty solid, so an unproven cornerback room very well could make or break their season. It’s an area that must be better after Dallas finished dead last in defensive EPA, allowed a 58.4 QBR (29th) and generated only six INTs in 2025. DaRon Bland battled injuries last season but remains the clear star of this group. Ex-Rams Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick were signed this offseason, battling second-year man Shavon Revel Jr. (last among CBs in PFF grade in 2025), fourth-round rookie Devin Moore and others for starting roles.”
Last year, this secondary was the worst in the NFL against the pass, allowing 251.5 yards per game. That’s why there was more of a focus on the cornerbacks and improving that room.
Bland will be the team’s top shutdown corner with Durant and Revel fighting for the CB2 job. Kendrick and Moore provide the depth this group lacked last season, when multiple injuries hit.
Cowboys’ Cornerbacks Are Looking to Make Some Noise in 2026
GettyARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 04: DaRon Bland #26 of the Dallas Cowboys walks off the field after a game against the Indianapolis Colts at AT&T Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. Bland had two interceptions in the second half. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
The Cowboys’ secondary’s performance will depend on which DaRon Bland they get. Bland dealt with injuries last year, but when he is healthy, he can be a playmaker in the secondary.
Revel is really standing out at training camp as an improved performer. He’s making it 10 times harder for the Cowboys to pick between him and Durant.
Dallas will be looking at Moore as a guy they could develop on the bench this season in the hopes of getting in the starting lineup in the next year or two. For now, they want to see if Durant and Kendrick will work out.
There isn’t a strong chance this cornerback room becomes elite in 2026, but improvement is necessary. They should come back better this season and make some more plays. This is a young group with a great chance to make some noise the league didn’t expect.
Cowboys’ ‘Unproven’ Position Group Named One to Watch in 2026