At the top of many NFL Draft analysts’ list of needs for the Dallas Cowboys is cornerback.
How early the Cowboys draft one will depend on how the picks shake up, but many expect a corner to be taken within the team’s first three rounds of selections … ideally.
Former All-Pro Trevon Diggs is down with a knee injury, and his recovery will likely last beyond Week 1, so depth is needed at the position before his return.
A prospect seen on many Dallas mock drafts is East Carolina defensive back Shavon Revel Jr. … who also happens to be recovering from knee surgery.
East Carolina defensive back Shavon Revel (DB27) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images
In fact, this injury is nothing new to the organization because Revel’s surgery was performed by the Cowboys’ team physician Dr. Dan Cooper in October.
Revel tore his ACL in a late September practice, just three games into the 2024 season. He missed the remainder of the year after registering eight tackles and two interceptions – one returned for a touchdown – in those three games.
Despite being in recovery, Revel has still received major projections in the draft process. He was initially a borderline first-round prospect, but his stock has dropped into a second-round projection since.
The Cowboys still have an eye on him and have scheduled to meet.
Dallas has invited Revel to The Star as one of the team’s “top 30” visits next week leading up to the Draft.
According to his scouting report, the 6-2 194-pound cornerback brings great physicality and instincts with his lengthy frame. Some early assessments say Revel’s recovery should be completed in time for training camp.
His addition would fill the void opened by Jourdan Lewis’ departure and serve as insurance to Diggs’ and DaRon Bland’s injury concerns. That is, if Revel’s recovery goes smoothly.
Teams may be hesitant to draft Revel due to his injury and lack of recent competition, but no team knows his recovery process better than the Cowboys.
Pairing him back up with Dr. Cooper may be the ideal scenario to streamline that recovery and bring a much-needed cornerback into the mix.
At pick No. 44, Revel could be a steal for Dallas if they choose to invest.
