The Dallas Cowboys revealed their first unofficial depth chart Tuesday. The list provides some early insight into who has the best shot at certain placements, including starting roles.
The nickel cornerback position has been one of a handful of positions that have been in question at camp, as the Cowboys battle injuries to Trevon Diggs, Shavon Revel Jr. and Josh Butler in the position group. A rotation of options have cycled through the nickel spot through 10 practices in training camp, but only one got the mark of “starter” on the initial depth chart: Kemon Hall, who played at the University of North Texas.
Hall, 28, has stuck around the NFL after signing with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Six years and stints with five teams later, he has quickly ascended as a reliable option at the nickel corner spot for the Cowboys in a time of desperate need.
“When you get in different systems, you got to learn different languages,” Hall said. “Different coaching styles, different play styles. I’ve been on multiple teams, so that’s easy to adjust and learn the systems that I am right now.”
Hall has battledIsrael Mukuamu for the position. On Monday, Hall quickly recovered on a sideline route for a deflection and followed it with an interception a few plays later, which created some buzz.
“Good day overall,” he said. “A lot of man coverage, so trying to win your leverage and finish on the ball. Taking it day-by-day. Just coming out prepared and just balling out. They just want us to come out here level-headed and competing every day. The next-man-up mentality.”
Elevated from practice squad last season for special teams
One year ago, Hall was brought in a week after training camp started for a workout. He stuck around on the practice squad before being activated for six games late in the year for a special teams role. Now, he’s in prime position to win a starting job not far from wherehe emerged as a defensive star in Denton at UNT.
“That’s what I was dreaming of,” Hall said. “This is, I guess, a true fair shot because I got to be here in the offseason. Now I’m here getting a whole training camp, learning a system and just doing what I do.”
A quick ascension? Certainly. But is it a surprise for Hall? Absolutely not.
“I did it before,” he said. “Staying healthy, showing up every day with the same attitude and the same routine.”
A lot will have to play out before Hall can say he has officially won the job. And even then, he will have to survive the return of the injured players.. But for a player who once dreamed of having a starting role, Hall sits on the cusp of earning his first NFL start in week one.
“Anything is possible,” he said.