The analytic grades reported cornerback Shavon Revel in his 2026 NFL preseason debut last week. But Revel was far more noticeable Saturday night against the Arizona Cardinals.
The 2025 third-round cornerback registered a pass defense and the first unofficial NFL interception.
Revel couldn’t have been more proud.
“Oh man, it feels great,” Revel told DallasCowboys.com’s Patrik Walker. “I mean, I feel like I’m really getting back to myself and getting more confident with my knee, and in the game; and learning the situations, the ball and stuff like that.
“So, yeah, man, it felt exciting, man, but still, down the road, there’s more work to go do.”
Revel returned his interception, which was against veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew, 22 yards. It set up the first Cowboys touchdown of the night.
Cowboys’ Shavon Revel Jr. Emerging as Contributor
GettyDallas Cowboys cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. responded to his Week 2 preseason performance, which included an interception.
Saturday was a big night for Revel. The cornerback tore his ACL early during his final college season. Missing his final college season, the injury impacted his draft stock. Instead of potentially being a first-rounder, Revel fell to the Cowboys during the third round.
He made his NFL debut on November 17 of last season. But not fully healthy, Revel has the potential to become the first-round talent he was supposed to be.
That could give the Cowboys the playmaking cornerback they’ve been lacking in recent years. But that’s not on Revel’s mind at the moment. Just getting better is the cornerback’s goal.
“I’m just stacking days, you know what I mean?” he added. “I’m taking everything one rep at a time, just building on top of what I’ve already built. I’m not thinking too much, or overthinking every time I walk into the room. I wake up with confidence, and keeping that faith in God.”
Revel played the final seven games of the 2025 campaign. In those seven contests, he had 35 combined tackles, including one for loss and three pass defenses.
Revel Breakout Potential Entering 2026
GettyCornerback Shavon Revel Jr. is entering his second NFL season.
Because of Revel’s draft stock from before his injury, there were quite a few pundits over the summer who considered the cornerback a 2026 breakout candidate.
The Athletic’s Jon Machota notably called Revel that in July.
“Had it not been for a torn ACL in his final college season, Revel might have been a first-round pick in last year’s draft,” Machota wrote. “Instead, he fell to the third round where the Cowboys selected him 76th overall. Recovery from the knee injury prevented him from appearing in a game last season until Week 11.
“Now fully healed, Revel is in position to compete for a starting cornerback spot. He has the ideal size (6-2, 200), strength and athleticism to be a quality outside corner.”
Revel still has a long way to go. But it’s great to see the cornerback making strides toward becoming that breakout player this preseason.
On the team’s unofficial depth chart, the Cowboys have Revel listed as a starter with Cobie Durant. After returning from injury last season, Revel started five of his seven games.
Cowboys Potential Breakout Player Reacts to Preseason Interception