Here is what the Cowboys are getting in Shavon Revel Jr.
One of the remaining questions for the Dallas Cowboys going into day two of the NFL draft, after picking offensive lineman Tyler Booker 12th overall, was how much new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus would have his say in addressing needs on this side of the ball. Especially since wide receiver and running back were still left unaddressed. It turns out, the former Cowboys LB coach who was always in good standing with the front office and other coaches over his time here had quite a bit of say. The Cowboys used their second-round pick on Boston College defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku, and third-round pick at 76th overall on East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel Jr.
Cornerback was a bigger need than defensive end coming into this draft, but Revel is a prospect that could have been drafted well ahead of even the 44th overall pick the Cowboys used on Ezeiruaku if not for an injury history. To pair the two together as day two picks, and instantly get better in both the front seven and secondary, is good drafting by Dallas.
Revel tore his ACL in East Carolina’s third game of the season as a senior in 2024, meaning he only appeared in 24 games over his career for the Pirates. Cowboys team doctor Dan Cooper performed Revel’s knee surgery, which is something this team values highly when it comes to having the inside info on injured players Cooper has worked on.
Revel is the ninth cornerback drafted so far this year, but would have been in the conversation to go well ahead of the likes of Trey Amos who went in the second round to the Commanders or Darien Porter who went in the third to the Raiders. This is a fluid athletic player that fills an obvious need for the Cowboys. The North Carolina native helps them replace the savvy veteran Jourdan Lewis who left in free agency thanks to his ability to play both inside and out, along with DaRon Bland’s ability to do both. He is also an ideal zone cornerback to fit into Matt Eberflus’ scheme, which will be extra valuable should he miss time in the offseason program due to his recovery.
Here is what BTB’s Mike Poland had to say about Revel’s potential fit with the Cowboys before the draft:
THE FIT
Shavon Revel Jr. thrives as a long, physical corner who excels at using his length and explosiveness to disrupt passing lanes. He plays with confidence at the catch point, consistently getting his hands on the ball and forcing quarterbacks to think twice about targeting his side. His size and functional athleticism allow him to blanket bigger receivers, and he’s particularly effective in zone coverage where his awareness and instincts shine. He reads route combinations well, reacts quickly when the ball is in the air, and has a knack for turning pass breakups into impact plays. His contributions on special teams only add to his value, and his toughness, leadership, and work ethic are considered top-tier by coaches and teammates.
His biggest area for development lies in his man coverage consistency and overall fluidity. He shows some tightness in his hips when asked to mirror quicker receivers in space, which could become a liability at the next level. His press technique also needs refinement as he can get overly handsy or lunge early at the line leading to penalties. Footwork in off coverage is another area to clean up, as he occasionally struggles with transitions at the top of routes and can be late reacting to double moves. Most importantly, coming off a 2024 ACL injury, he’ll need to prove he’s regained his full short-area agility and confidence in movement.
Revel could be a smart piece for the Dallas Cowboys, especially on Day 2 of the draft. Dallas has long favored long, athletic boundary corners who can thrive in press-zone – a scheme fit that plays directly into Revel’s strengths. Given Trevon Diggs own injury issues, Revel gives Dallas another young, moldable athlete to groom on the outside. His competitiveness, physical tools, and team-first mindset align with the culture in Dallas’ defensive back room.
Medicals are the key point here (something we don’t get to see). If he tests well in workouts and the team’s medical staff believe his risk assessment is worth the draft capital, then he’s the second-round gamble Dallas have done with regularity in recent past. Revel could very well carve out a role for the Cowboys, and stick.
The Cowboys most likely ending day two, barring a trade back into the third round, without addressing wide receiver or running back is a surprise to say the least. But letting the board come to them is the best thing a team with a first-year head coach can do, while still showing they value what Brian Schottenheimer is looking to instill. All three of the Cowboys picks so far are high character guys with athleticism and traits they covet. Revel being the last of the three should not fool anyone into sleeping on this pick as he fills the more pressing need compared to guard or defensive end, joining forces with DaRon Bland, Trevon Diggs, and Kair Elam, and will be hungry to prove his knee injury should not have caused the slide it did in this year’s draft.
Revel was already in the Dallas area doing his rehab and training leading up to the draft, and now is the latest member of the Cowboys as the 76th overall pick.