The Dallas Cowboys have been trying to find that complement to cornerback Trevon Diggs for quite some time. Back in March, they got it when they traded for five-time Pro Bowler Stephon Gilmore.

Of course, this gives Dallas a tremendous duo at the position in 2023, but the Cowboys have already found Diggs a running mate for the foreseeable future. 

DaRon Bland was taken in the fifth round a year ago. He didn't log any defensive snaps in the first three games. However, due to injuries to Anthony Brown and Jourdan Lewis, Bland ended up having a huge role as a rookie, and he shined.

Bland would lead the team with five interceptions and added seven pass breakups as well and established himself as a key component in the Cowboys' defense. 

When it comes to that side of the ball, names like Micah Parsons and the aforementioned Diggs come up first, understandably so. Bland, on the other hand, despite his production, keeps flying under the radar.

"Those interceptions weren't just products of the ball being tipped in the air and falling into Bland's hands either. He proved his ability to work as both an inside and outside cornerback. He has strong hands with the ball in the air and earned a role as a fifth-round pick.

"The addition of Stephon Gilmore via trade might force Bland to work more as a nickel cornerback this season. While the 32-year-old Gilmore gives the Cowboys another high quality defensive back in Dan Quinn's secondary, it's Bland's versatility that is going to allow them to adapt to any injury that may happen during the 2023 season."- Alex Ballentine, Bleacher Report

The last line of that quote is very important. 

Bland started to show how valuable he was last season once Lewis went down for the year. The next week, Bland played 49 snaps and started eight of the final nine games afterward, giving them security in the slot.

Brown would go down in Week 13. However, Bland's versatility allowed the Cowboys to slide him outside and put Israel Mukuamu in the slot. So, Bland's skill set gives the Cowboys options if need be, making him a very vital part of the defensive unit.

The size, versatility, and ball skills of Bland fit the mold of defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, and he's done a masterful job of fitting him into his scheme. Bland is well on his way to being another late-round steal in the secondary for the Cowboys much like safety Donovan Wilson who was taken in the sixth round in 2019.