Cowboys 'Excellent' Gilmore & Diggs: NFL's Best Cornerback Duo?
Since being selected in the second-round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs has made an instant impact.
In just his first season, the Alabama product recorded three interceptions and 14 pass deflections in 12 games. But a jersey change (No. 27 to No. 7) wasn't the only difference from Diggs' first to second season, as he ended up tying a franchise record with 11 interceptions en route to All-Pro honors.
Now with the addition of Stephon Gilmore, this duo has the potential rank among the league's best. CowboysSI.com thinks that in terms of ball-hawking, Dallas might be No. 1. Meanwhile ... According to Bleacher Report, the tandem currently slots at No. 2, but could see them in the top spot by season's end.
"Thanks to one of the offseason's biggest moves, the Dallas Cowboys have an excellent chance to claim the No. 1 spot," Bleacher Report writes. "Dallas sent a fifth-round draft pick to the Indianapolis Colts for Stephon Gilmore, a highly respected veteran. He's surrendered no more than 6.7 yards per target in each of the last five years."
Gilmore, the league's 2019 Defensive Player of the Year, joins the Cowboys via trade after spending last season on the Indianapolis Colts where he recorded 66 tackles, 11 pass deflections and two interceptions. Despite being on his fourth team in just as many years, 2022 marked the first time in five seasons where the 12-year veteran wasn't named a Pro Bowler.
"Gilmore offers a steady presence, while Trevon Diggs is more of a playmaker," Bleacher Report writes. "He's liable to occasionally get toasted on double moves, yes. But since he's snagged 17 interceptions in three NFL seasons, the Cowboys will gladly put up with Diggs' aggressive style.''
As we've pointed out often, Diggs' "aggressive style'' - which is an apt description - is part of coordinator Dan Quinn's defense. He's not free-lancing; he's just "free.'' And now?
After the Cowboys finished eighth in passing yards allowed and total interceptions last season, the pair of Gilmore and Diggs looks to make the Micah Parsons-led defense even better. ... maybe even the best.
You can find Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard
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