Where the Dallas Cowboys rookie defender ranks among his peers

While the Dallas Cowboys (11-4) are in the midst of questions on defense, they are able to count their blessings as well. Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, DeMarcus Lawrence, Donovan Wilson, Jayron Kearse, Leighton Vander Esch, Dorance Armstrong, etc. In the midst of so many quality veterans, the Cowboys are also finding plenty of gems in […]

Shane Carter
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Dec 24, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Jayron Kearse (27) and cornerback DaRon Bland (26) and cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) and safety Malik Hooker (28) celebrate after Bland recovers a Philadelphia Eagles fumble during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

While the Dallas Cowboys (11-4) are in the midst of questions on defense, they are able to count their blessings as well.

Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, DeMarcus Lawrence, Donovan Wilson, Jayron Kearse, Leighton Vander Esch, Dorance Armstrong, etc.

In the midst of so many quality veterans, the Cowboys are also finding plenty of gems in the draft. Damone Clark, Sam Williams, Osa Odighizuwa and Quinton Bohanna all starters coming in the last two drafts.

And of course, we can't forget about cornerback DaRon Bland. His play-making and positional versatility are making him one of the Cowboys most valuable defenders.

He has been a revelation for the Cowboys defense. Playing up to the level and even beyond his first-round draftmates at the same position.

This is how he compares with his fellow rookie cornerbacks. All of whom were drafted in the first round and two (first two) are in the Pro Bowl (Games).

  • Sauce Gardner – 65 tackles, 16 pass break ups, 2 interceptions, 55.4% completion (9.7 yards per catch) for 397 yards and 1 touchdown allowed.
  • Tariq Woolen – 53 tackles, 14 pass break ups, 6 interceptions, 52.1% completion (12.3 yards per catch) for 308 yards and 3 touchdowns allowed.
  • Derek Stingley Jr – 43 tackles, 5 pass break ups, 1 interception, 63% completion (12 yards per catch) for 409 yards and 0 touchdowns allowed.
  • Trent McDuffie – 30 tackles, 6 pass break ups, 0 interceptions, 48.6% completion (9.9 yards per catch) for 169 yards and 2 touchdowns allowed.
  • Kaiir Elam – 39 tackles, 4 pass break ups, 2 interceptions, 68.2% completion (10.7 yards per catch) for 320 yards and 2 touchdowns allowed.
  • DaRon Bland – 45 tackles, 7 pass break ups, 5 interceptions, 76.1% completion (9.3 yards per catch) for 325 yards and 3 touchdowns allowed.

The Dallas Cowboys really have found their CB2 with Diggs. Having taken snaps in the slot, outside and even deep as a modified third safety.

At the rate of his progression he will eventually be talked among the best nickel corners in the entire league.

Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

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