The Dallas Cowboys are looking to take that next step after missing the postseason entirely in 2025. They have completely revamped their defense from where they stood a year ago as they traded away Micah Parsons and added Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams, Caleb Downs, and Rashan Gary to name a few players. However, one defender who has been with the franchise throughout all of the changes could be a breakout star. Let’s take a closer look at who one outlet chose as the Dallas Cowboys’ breakout choice for the 2026 season.
Shavon Revel labeled as breakout candidate for the Dallas Cowboys
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Aug 16, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones (right) talks with cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. (27d) before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Athletic published an article where they discussed [one breakout candidate](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7440963/2026/07/13/nfl-breakout-player-team-roster/) for each team heading into the 2026 Training Camp. For the Dallas Cowboys, beat writer Jon Machota selected cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. as the player to keep an eye out for. Below is what he said regarding his selection:
> “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. 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. Cornerback is one of the biggest question marks on the roster. Revel should get a lot of valuable training camp work going against CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.”
During his rookie season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2025, he was limited to seven games (five starts) and finished with 35 total tackles (23 solo, 12 assists) with three pass deflections and one tackle for loss. Revel struggled in coverage as he allowed 28-of-38 (73.7%) when targeted with three touchdowns and allowed a 126.1 passer rating against. Now that he is entering the season completely healthy and understands the speed of the NFL, he should be able to improve.
The Dallas Cowboys have a new-look secondary with Jalen Thompson, Cobie Durant, and Caleb Downs all being new additions. It will be intriguing to see how Revel looks in the 2026 season.
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