The Dallas Cowboys’ training camp in Oxnard produced five clear fantasy angles heading into 2025: Kaiir Elam cemented outside-Cornerback duties for a defense that could lean on him for Week 1 coverage; Donovan Ezeiruaku emerged as a game-ready pass rusher who should snag snaps even if he isn’t a full-time starter; George Pickens showed veteran-level consistency and blocking that keeps him locked into a peak target profile in an evolving offense; KaVontae Turpin is being groomed for a bigger, multi-position role that blends rushing and receiving; Jaydon Blue flashed explosive juice and first-team reps, positioning him as a late-season workload candidate if health cooperates.

Elam’s hold on the boundary bodes well for Cowboys IDP value, as his training-camp impact signals steady run defense and pass-sack opportunities. Ezeiruaku’s technique translates to more pressure on opponents’ tackles in passing downs, likely boosting his playtime in subpackages. Pickens’ consistency at receiver and run-blocking sharpens the Steelers’ offensive floor, even if volume fluctuates with quarterback play. Turpin’s usage expansion hints at a scalable fantasy ceiling in 2025, while Blue’s speed and early-rep exposure suggest the upside of a breakout RB3 as the season unfolds. Two preseason games remain to determine final depth charts, but the early signals position these five as must-watch for fantasy rosters and DFS lineups.

Cowboys depth at cornerback is under scrutiny as Trevon Diggs and Shavon Revel rehab from knee surgeries, leaving Kaiir Elam and DaRon Bland as the edge corners with a crowded battle for the slot. Competition behind them includes Kemon Hall, Israel Mukuamu and Zion Childress, with Andrew Booth’s roster status uncertain amid a lingering knee issue for Caelen Carson and Josh Butler on the PUP list. Diggs’ return target is mid-September, Revel could move to PUP to start the season, and the preseason opener highlighted promising plays from Booth, Mukuamu and Booth’s tight coverage. Dallas is balancing return timelines with flexible coverage, aiming to stabilize the group quickly once Diggs is back.

Depth behind Diggs remains unsettled, forcing constant reorganization and daily competition. Eliable reps are being distributed to evaluate who can handle outside, nickel and slot duties, while the staff weighs which combinations maximize both pass defense and run support. The Cowboys will lean on competition and health updates to finalize the roster and roles as Diggs nears a return and Revel’s status becomes clearer.

Dallas Cowboys cornerback depth will be tested in Saturday’s preseason opener versus the Rams as Trevon Diggs is sidelined, Shavon Revel Jr. deals with a setback in ACL rehab, and Josh Butler remains on the active list. With those veterans out, Bland and Elam step into prominent depth-chart opportunities, while Revel, Hall, and Zion Childress are all in the mix for extended reps. The game will also serve as a live audition for external options the Cowboys may pursue if health concerns persist.

Stephen Jones signaled the door is open for an external addition, naming veterans like Gilmore, Fuller, and Douglas as potential targets. In the meantime, Revel’s health trajectory and the emergence of Bland, Elam, Hall, and Childress will heavily influence how Dallas staffs its defensive backfield this fall. For fantasy and betting angles, watch how Bland, Elam, and Revel perform under game-speed pressure and in sub-packages as Diggs’ absence creates extra opportunity.

Overall, the Rams tune-up could crystallize who steps into early-season roles behind Bland and Elam, and whether Dallas accelerates a mid-camp conversion from external options or sticks with internal development.

The Dallas Cowboys' trade for cornerback Kaiir Elam this past March is proving to be a brilliant acquisition as they cope with the absence of Trevon Diggs, who is recovering from knee surgery. Elam's immediate integration into the roster has been crucial, allowing the Cowboys to maintain their defensive integrity while waiting for Diggs' return. This strategic move showcases the Cowboys' focus on depth and adaptability in a competitive NFC East.

Despite initial skepticism from Bills fans regarding Elam's performance, he has quickly adapted to the Cowboys' defensive schemes. Analysts emphasize his potential impact on both gameplay and fantasy leagues, particularly in matchups against high-powered offenses. As the season unfolds, Elam's contributions could be pivotal in securing the Cowboys' playoff aspirations.