Cowboys All-Pro Move Could Solve CB Problem

FRISCO - This week's organized team activities (OTAs) typically serve as a way for players to knock off some rust from the offseason and get back into the football mindset on and off the field.

For a team like the Dallas Cowboys who is entering the season with a new head coach, they benefit from getting to start OTAs a week earlier than the rest. This extra time is vital for Brian Schottenheimer and his staff to implement new schemes and get a head start in surveying their roster.

The 7-10 2024 season brought about a lot of worry for Cowboys Nation, but there was no bigger issue than injuries to multiple key positions. That's something Schotty's staff is cautious of too, but they are taking the proper steps in practice to examine what they have available.

The cornerback position is the largest red flag. Practically the whole unit was banged up at some point last year. Still this season, their rehabs are worth monitoring.

But a specific dilemma in the room is the nickel cornerback position. This offseason the Cowboys saw veteran slot man Jourdan Lewis sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency, opening up the inside corner spot on the Cowboys defense.

Who will fill it?

We've flirted with a couple names here, as have Schotty and defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. One of the more interesting tidbits from OTA practices thus far is who has been receiving the first-team reps at nickel during drills.

For the most part, that has been All-Pro DaRon Bland.

Bland has turned into Dallas' most reliable boundary cornerback in recent years with the other stud cover man Trevon Diggs often out with injury. Bland missed some time last year, but his all-time season in 2023 with five pick sixes is not that far out of memory.

He could be the Cowboys' best bet to slide inside amidst the knee recoveries of Diggs and rookie Shavon Revel, the other two starting candidates.

Of course, that now opens up a spot on the outside opposite of trade-get Kaiir Elam. Andrew Booth has stepped in for first-team reps at practice, but that may be another revolving door of bodies throughout camp worth watching.

That is, if the staff likes starting the season with Bland in the slot.

For Bland, this move could be a throwback to his rookie season with the Cowboys in 2022 where he was predominately a nickel corner. Lewis missed most of the year with injury, so Bland filled in playing nearly 85% of his snaps on the inside that season.

Since then, he has been on the boundaries, but early indications from practice point to Bland moving back to his natural position to start 2025.