Dallas Cowboys’ Rookie Class Shines Bright-And Shavon Revel Jr. Is the Latest to Break Out
The Dallas Cowboys didn’t just win on Thanksgiving-they made a statement. And while the 31-28 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs will grab headlines for the scoreboard and the star power involved, the real story brewing in Big D is the emergence of a rookie class that’s already delivering in a major way.
Let’s start with the name that’s becoming harder and harder to ignore: Donovan Ezeiruaku. The second-round edge rusher was a menace against the Chiefs, racking up five quarterback pressures, according to Pro Football Focus-second only to Quinnen Williams across the league. His blend of speed and power off the edge is giving Dallas a new dimension up front, and he’s quickly becoming a key figure in Dan Quinn’s defensive rotation.
But Ezeiruaku isn’t the only rookie making waves. In fact, the Cowboys’ third-round pick may have just had his true coming-out party.
Shavon Revel Jr. Shows He Belongs
Cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. isn’t just back from a torn ACL-he’s already making a strong case for a starting role in a secondary that needed reinforcements. After easing into his return with 19 snaps in his debut, Revel saw his workload jump to 39 snaps in the win over the Eagles. Then came Thanksgiving, and with it, a full-on workload: 63 total snaps, including 59 as a boundary corner, more than any other Cowboys defensive back.
And the best part? He held his own against Patrick Mahomes.
Mahomes, who still managed to throw four touchdown passes on the day, didn’t find much success when targeting the rookie. In fact, he only looked Revel’s way three times, resulting in two catches for just 15 yards.
That’s not just solid-it’s the kind of quiet performance that speaks volumes. When a quarterback like Mahomes avoids your side of the field, that’s a sign of respect.
Part of that was Kansas City’s game plan-attacking Dallas’ linebackers in coverage-but part of it was Revel doing his job, snap after snap, with poise and precision.
A Secondary in Transition Finds a Steady Hand
The Cowboys’ secondary has been through some reshuffling this season. Injuries, inconsistency, and changing roles have forced the coaching staff to get creative.
But Revel’s emergence could stabilize things. His 59 boundary snaps outpaced both DaRon Bland (40) and Trikweze Bridges (26), and it’s clear the coaching staff trusts him more with each passing week.
That trust is being earned in real time. Revel isn’t just surviving-he’s thriving in high-leverage situations.
And as his confidence grows, especially on that surgically repaired knee, it’s fair to expect more impact plays to follow. If quarterbacks start testing him more often, don’t be shocked if he makes them pay.
A Draft Class That’s Already Paying Dividends
Between Ezeiruaku’s relentless pressure, Revel’s steady rise, and Tyler Booker anchoring the offensive line as a starting guard, the Cowboys may have walked away from the first two days of the 2025 NFL Draft with three first-round-caliber players. That’s not hyperbole-it’s what the early returns are showing.
Revel, in particular, was once viewed as a potential first-rounder before his knee injury at East Carolina. Now that he’s healthy and back in rhythm, the traits that made him a top-tier prospect are starting to flash again-length, instincts, and the ability to mirror receivers in man coverage.
Looking Ahead
It’s still early, but the Cowboys’ rookie class is already shaping the identity of this team. They’re not just filling gaps-they’re elevating the roster. And as Dallas continues its push toward the postseason, don’t be surprised if more of these young names start becoming household ones.
For now, one thing’s clear: the Cowboys didn’t just draft for depth-they drafted difference-makers. And Shavon Revel Jr. is the latest to prove it.