The Dallas Cowboys’ secondary was inconsistent in 2024, ranking 17th in pass defense (218.1 yards per game allowed) and giving up too many explosive plays downfield.
Their struggles in coverage cost them in critical moments, even with one of the league’s most talented pass rushes. But 2025 may finally be the turning point.
With Trevon Diggs, Kaiir Elam, DaRon Bland, and rookie Shavon Revel Jr., Dallas is shaping a secondary that could be both deep and dangerous.
Paired with Micah Parsons and a front that finished 3rd in the NFL in sacks (52), the Cowboys have the makings of a surprise top defense.
Trevon Diggs Returns as the Cornerstone
When healthy, Trevon Diggs is a true No.1 cornerback.
His ability to create turnovers—14 interceptions across 2021-2022—gives Dallas a shutdown presence they lacked for much of last season.
Diggs’ return in 2025 allows the Cowboys to lock down opposing WR1s, freeing Bland and Elam to attack more aggressively.
Kaiir Elam Could Be the Breakout Player
Kaiir Elam has the size (6’2”) and physical style to thrive in Dallas’ system. While inconsistent early in his career, Elam showed flashes in press-man coverage.
If he takes the next step in 2025, pairing him with Diggs could give the Cowboys one of the most physical corner tandems in the NFC.
DaRon Bland: The Playmaker Opponents Fear
No defensive back has turned more heads in the last couple of years than DaRon Bland, who posted nine interceptions and an NFL-record five pick-sixes in 2023.
Even in 2024, when quarterbacks targeted him more aggressively, Bland continued to prove he could change games with his ball skills.
With Diggs back in the lineup, Bland should see more favorable matchups, which could mean another turnover-heavy season.
Shavon Revel Jr.: Rookie Depth with Big Upside
Rookie Shavon Revel Jr. may not start right away, but his athleticism and instincts give Dallas another developmental piece when he returns from injury.
The Cowboys dealt with injuries across the defensive backfield in 2024, and having Revel Jr. deep in the season, as a fresh option, could be critical against spread-heavy offenses.
Micah Parsons and the Pass Rush Elevate the Secondary
The Cowboys’ defense thrives when the pass rush and coverage play off each other.
Micah Parsons already has 52.5 career sacks in four seasons, averaging more than 13 per year.
In 2024, Dallas ranked in the top 10 in pressure rate (36.1%), constantly forcing the quarterbacks into rushed decisions. The defense ranked third in the NFL with 52 sacks last season.
With Parsons leading the way, the secondary’s ball-hawking ability only becomes more dangerous.
Cowboys Pass Defense: Year-to-Year Comparison + 2025 Outlook
How Pass Rush and Coverage Work Together
Why Dallas Can Be a Top Defense in 2025
The Cowboys’ formula is built for success:
- Coverage helps the rush. When Diggs and Elam hold their ground outside, Parsons and the front can collapse the pocket.
- The rush helps coverage. With 52 team sacks last season, Dallas forced plenty of mistakes—the kind Bland thrives on.
- Depth matters. With Revel Jr. providing rookie upside, Dallas is less vulnerable to injuries than in 2024.
If the Cowboys can tighten their pass defense to top-10 levels while maintaining their elite pressure rate, their defense could leap from inconsistent to one of the NFL’s top five in 2025.
