Shemar James
Let’s start with the defense. Shemar James had an uneven rookie season. He was pressed into playing almost 60 percent of the offensive snaps, and by season’s end, his head was spinning. It didn’t help that his veteran linebacker counterparts struggled as poorly as they did, putting James in some difficult positions.
However, he did gain plenty of experience out of the gate as a fifth-round pick. James had nearly 100 tackles last season, including 15 against the New York Jets. He should adjust better at recognizing defenses and route combinations in zone coverage in his second year. James has a solid foundation of physical traits to succeed; he just needs more time and more stable coaching. He should get some time in the rotation.
Shavon Revel
The Cowboys are counting on Shavon Revel to be better than he was last season. The most troublesome area for the Cowboys heading into this year is cornerback. Dallas was ravaged by injury and threw whatever healthy bodies they could find to cover outside the numbers. Caelen Carson has yet to claim a role, and although the Cowboys paid a hefty sum to DaRon Bland, you could also make the case that nickel is his better position. Dallas has their eyes set on a cornerback in the draft, but Revel is the prototype corner that Dallas and many teams would like to have in the draft.
Revel has length and is ideal as a press-man cornerback with his long arms and speed. Another year removed from an ACL injury should see Revel regain some of his athleticism. Fortunately for him, Christian Parker has helped many cornerbacks find their way in the NFL and may be able to do the same for Revel. You hate to say that Revel is in for a make-or-break year with the Cowboys, yet where the Cowboys are at cornerback, the future is now, and there may be no other choice but for Revel to thrive in the position he’s in.