Cowboys Slot Nightmare: Kearse and Bland Best in NFL?
The Dallas Cowboys found their second outside cornerback to pair with Trevon Diggs in the form of Stephon Gilmore via their trade with the Indianapolis Colts this offseason. Gilmore's arrival in Dallas signaled the potential final piece to the puzzle in the Cowboys' secondary that was crying out for another outside corner.
Assuming the 32-year-old can stay healthy, the Cowboys will have Diggs and Gilmore on the outside, with a potential duo handling the slot as the nickelback. The Cowboys actually have four players capable of playing nickel, yet only two were ranked as some of the best in the NFL.
In a recent article from Touchdown Wire, they released their top-10 list of the best slot defenders. The Cowboys had not one but two names appear in the rankings, making them the only team with more than one.
Starting the rankings for the Cowboys was DaRon Bland. The now second-year cornerback out of Fresno State was thrown into the deep end last season after a season-ending injury to Jourdan Lewis. Yet, Bland proved to be a bright spot recording five interceptions in eight starts while also proving versatility as he played inside and out.
"Bland was vulnerable at times in the red zone, which is where the high touchdown total comes from, but his opportunism and ball skills were also very much in evidence right away," Touchdown Wire writes about Bland.
Then ahead of Bland was safety Jayron Kearse at No. 2 overall, only behind Tavierre Thomas of the Houston Texans.
"Like a lot of players in Dan Quinn’s defenses over the years, Kearse found himself with a coach attuned enough to his skills to put him in the best place to succeed," Touchdown Wire writes. "That was a whole lotta slot for Kearse in 2022, and he allowed 18 catches on 23 slot targets last season for 170 yards, 116 yards after the catch, no touchdowns, two interceptions, and an opponent passer rating of 61.2."
Thanks to the "three-headed monster" at safety, Kearse can help the Cowboys out as their matchup for tight ends in addition to his duties over top of the defense. The seven-year veteran recorded 77 tackles, one interception, and five passes defended last season, earning him the title of an "unsung hero."
With Kearse and Bland, the Cowboys already possess two final pieces to complete their secondary. Still, they also have depth as Lewis and Israel Mukuamu - a standout player from the Wildcard win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers - can pitch in.
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