Cowboys’ Gamble on Revel: Will ACL Recovery Pay Off with a Steal of the Draft?

The Dallas Cowboys are known for making bold moves, and their selection of cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft is no exception. Revel, a standout from East Carolina, was projected as a potential first-round pick before a torn ACL in September 2024 derailed his final college season. Now, the Cowboys are betting that Revel’s recovery will be successful, potentially landing them a steal of the draft.

Revel’s Potential: A First-Round Talent

Before his injury, Shavon Revel Jr. was considered one of the top cornerback prospects in the nation. Standing tall at 6-foot-2, with impressive length and speed, Revel possesses the physical tools that NFL teams covet in a defensive back. According to NFL.com’s scouting report, he has “top-end speed” and a 6.34 grade, projecting him as “eventually a plus starter.”

During his junior year at East Carolina, Revel showcased his playmaking ability, racking up 54 tackles, four tackles for loss, 13 pass breakups, and one interception. He also demonstrated his versatility by forcing and recovering a fumble, recording a sack, and even blocking two kicks. His performance earned him All-Conference honors and placed him on the watchlists for the prestigious Nagurski Trophy and Jim Thorpe Award.

The ACL Injury: A Draft Stock Detriment

Unfortunately, Revel’s promising career trajectory took a hit when he tore his ACL during practice just three games into his senior season. The injury not only ended his college career prematurely but also significantly impacted his draft stock. As a result, Revel was unable to participate in pre-draft workouts, leaving teams with limited information about his recovery progress.

ACL injuries are a major concern for NFL teams, especially when evaluating defensive backs who rely on agility, quickness, and change-of-direction skills. While advancements in medical technology and rehabilitation techniques have improved recovery rates, the risk of re-injury and the potential for diminished performance remain significant factors.

The Cowboys’ Calculation: Risk vs. Reward

Despite the injury concerns, the Dallas Cowboys saw enough potential in Shavon Revel Jr. to take a chance on him in the third round. Several factors likely contributed to their decision:

Value: Had Revel not been injured, he almost certainly would have been selected much earlier in the draft. The Cowboys recognized the opportunity to potentially acquire a first-round talent at a significantly lower cost.
Team Need: The Cowboys’ cornerback position is in a state of flux. Trevon Diggs is recovering from bone-graft surgery in his knee, and his future with the team is uncertain. Jourdan Lewis departed in free agency, leaving a void in the secondary.
Medical Confidence: Cowboys team doctor Dan Cooper performed Revel’s ACL surgery. Stephen Jones, the Cowboys’ Executive Vice President, expressed optimism about Revel’s recovery, stating that Cooper “did the surgery, and they feel optimistic.”
Revel’s Progress: Despite the injury, Revel has made significant strides in his rehabilitation. He told the Cowboys’ website, “Right now I can pretty much do everything. Running straight line, cutting, haven’t gotten too much into that, just trying to take it day by day, trying to take it slow.”

ACL Recovery in the NFL: Success Stories

While ACL injuries can be career-altering, numerous NFL players have successfully returned to form after undergoing reconstructive surgery. Players like Jeffery Simmons, the defensive tackle for the Tennessee Titans, tore his ACL while training for the draft in 2019, and has since become a Pro Bowler. Landon Dickerson, an offensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles, had multiple ACL tears before being drafted, and has made three Pro Bowls. These success stories demonstrate that with proper medical care and dedication to rehabilitation, players can overcome ACL injuries and thrive in the NFL.

The Impact on the Cowboys’ Cornerback Room

Shavon Revel Jr.’s arrival in Dallas adds an intriguing element to the Cowboys’ cornerback competition. DaRon Bland is currently the only healthy returning starter, and Trevon Diggs’ recovery timeline remains uncertain. If Revel can fully recover and regain his pre-injury form, he has the potential to compete for a starting role and become a key contributor to the Cowboys’ defense.

Even if Revel is not ready to start immediately, his presence provides valuable depth and competition at a crucial position. He can learn from veteran players like Diggs and Bland while continuing his rehabilitation. As he gets healthier and more comfortable, Revel could emerge as a long-term solution at cornerback for the Cowboys.

The Verdict: A Gamble Worth Taking?

The Cowboys’ decision to draft Shavon Revel Jr. is undoubtedly a gamble. ACL recoveries are unpredictable, and there is no guarantee that Revel will return to his pre-injury form. However, the potential reward is significant. If Revel can overcome his injury and tap into his immense potential, the Cowboys could have landed a steal of the draft – a shutdown cornerback who can transform their defense.

Only time will tell if the Cowboys’ gamble on Revel will pay off. But given his talent, work ethic, and the team’s confidence in his medical care, there is reason to believe that Shavon Revel Jr. could become the next ACL recovery success story in the NFL.