Shavon Revel’s resurgence, Cobie Durant’s ball-hawking skills, and Jaishawn Barham’s physical dominance are transforming Dallas’s defense from a shaky unit into a balanced, high-octane force this summer.
So much emphasis has been placed on finding a difference-making EDGE since the Dallas Cowboys traded Micah Parsons.
Maxx Crosby has often been the subject of said emphasis ... but Dallas entered the offseason with defensive holes that extended well beyond an uninspiring pass rush.
The Cowboys desperately needed help in the secondary and the middle of their defense. And kudos to the Jones family, Will McClay, Brian Schottenheimer and every other decision-maker in Frisco, because the early returns suggest Dallas found answers in both areas.
Actually ... it may have found three.
Shavon Revel, Jaishawn Barham and Cobie Durant entered training camp through three entirely different avenues, but each has provided reason to believe the Cowboys’ defensive transformation could already be underway.
Let's begin with the lone familiar face in the group.
Shavon Revel always had the talent to complement DaRon Bland on the opposite side of the field, but the on-field results didn't match the potential he possessed. Now that Revel is fully healthy, he's begun to show that the inconsistency from his rookie season was, in fact, injury-related.
It's important to remember that over 400 days separated Revel's final collegiate snap from his first practice as a Cowboy. There was always going to be an adjustment period. But now that the East Carolina product is right, so might be this secondary.
And receiving practice reps against two of the 10 best pass-catchers in the NFL very much reinforces the ol' "iron sharpens iron" cliché.
But Revel won't be the lone man responsible for locking up opposing receivers.
Cobie Durant is going to be a major factor as well.
The former Ram came to Dallas this offseason in an under-the-radar signing, inking a one-year, $4 million deal to trade the horns on his helmet for a star.
While it's important not to overreact to training camp highlights, Durant's have been too obvious to ignore. Whether through pass breakups or interceptions, he seems to be constantly around the ball, which could be scary given what we already know Bland is capable of.
If he can perform at the level he has in Oxnard come time for the regular season while Revel progresses and Bland returns to form, Christian Parker could add another secondary makeover to his résumé after doing the same in Philadelphia.
Alright ... that's two of the three down. Now we'll shift to the 6-foot-3, 240-pound potential savior of the middle of the Cowboys' D.
Just eight days removed from Dallas’ arrival in Oxnard, Jaishawn Barham isn't simply turning heads. He's threatening to give spectators whiplash from how quickly they're snapping in his direction.
All of Barham's impressive athletic traits have shown up defending the run and in pass coverage.
He's been so impressive thus far that, amid some cold water being poured on the Cowboys’ chances of acquiring All-Pro linebacker Jordyn Brooks, a different question emerged:
What if Dallas doesn't need another off-ball linebacker?
Barham looks ready to play a significant role alongside a healthy DeMarvion Overshown and offseason addition Dee Winters — and wherever else Parker may opt to use his versatility.
None of this guarantees Dallas has fixed its defense. Training camp provides possibilities, not proof.
But while Cowboys fans continue dreaming about Crosby, three less-heralded names may already be addressing the problems surrounding the pass rush.
Revel, Durant and Barham don't carry the résumé of an All-Pro, but together ... they could change the identity of the Cowboys’ defense.
