Who is DaRon Bland, the player who will likely replace Trevon Diggs?

Bland, a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, flashed promise during his first two seasons. Last year, he led the Cowboys in interceptions with five in eight starts. In a 40-0 Week 1 victory against the Giants, he had a pick-six.

However, he's inconsistent. In 2022, he allowed five TDs in pass coverage, the team's highest total, per Pro Football Reference. This season, he has posted the team's fourth-highest missed tackle percentage (20 percent.)

This offseason, Dallas acquired 2019 Defensive Player of the Year cornerback Stephon Gilmore. He could mentor Bland, helping him improve quickly. The young defensive back felt he benefitted from Gilmore's presence during training camp.

"It's great — it takes your game to another level," Bland said of Gilmore and Diggs in July, per the team's website. "It raises your [football] IQ. They help you see things a little differently. It's been good."

Bland doesn't have to become a star immediately, either. The Cowboys' defense is elite, as it has allowed the fewest points (10) in the NFL and led the league in takeaways in 2021 and 2022. Furthermore, LB Micah Parsons is favored to win DPOY, via OddsChecker.

The former Fresno State Bulldog can't replicate Diggs' big-play ability. Since entering the league in 2020, the star cornerback is tied with Los Angeles' J.C. Jackson for the most interceptions (18) in the NFL. 

Nonetheless, Bland should become a serviceable replacement who ensures the Cowboys' secondary doesn't fall apart. This will help the defense remain strong, which is critical in the club's pursuit of a sixth Super Bowl title.