The Dallas Cowboys have stamped themselves as masters of finding talent in the NFL Draft thanks to the savvy of Vice President of Player Personnel Will McClay. It isn't just high draft picks either, he finds gems all over. 

In 2022, Dallas went heavy on defense on Day 3 of the draft which included cornerback DaRon Bland in the fifth round. Day 3 picks are when teams pretty much hope they find a hidden gem or two. Well, Bland ended up being just that. 

After a season-ending foot injury to Jourdan Lewis, Bland received an abundance of playing time, and he took full advantage as he, not Trevon Diggs, led the Cowboys with five interceptions. According to Pro Football Focus, he did his best work in the fourth quarter as he was tied for the NFL lead in interceptions. 

The players with the most 4th quarter interceptions this past season ? pic.twitter.com/A8MxVuatvj

— PFF (@PFF) June 10, 2023

Bland didn't log a defensive snap in the first three games last season, but he immediately made an impact in Week 4. He would log 59 snaps and hauled in his first interception, in the fourth quarter.

Over the final 10 games, Bland would make eight starts and racked up four more picks as he dominated in the slot. However, Bland was able to slide outside once Anthony Brown was lost for the season and the Cowboys put Israel Mukuamu play in the slot.

That's quite the luxury to have with a guy like Bland. If injuries happen at the cornerback position, Bland can be moved around and the secondary won't miss a beat. 

Bland is a Dan Quinn special in terms of his size, length, and versatility. Now, as he goes into his second season, Bland will battle Lewis for primary slot duties with Stephon Gilmore as the main outside guy opposite of Diggs. Based on what we saw last season, Bland will be just fine on the inside if he wins the job.

Feature image via Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports