Cowboys’ DaRon Bland enjoying elevated profile after record-setting season

After transitioning from a backup contributor to an all-out star for the Dallas Cowboys last season, DaRon Bland is gaining stardom seldom seen so soon for a fifth-round draft pick. Though most NFL fans outside of Cowboys nation couldn’t identify him before his five pick-six season, Bland is now among the most respected cornerbacks in the league.

“It’s definitely harder to keep a low profile after last season, but I’m enjoying it,” Bland said at the Reliant Energy Home Run Derby last week, via DallasCowboys.com.

The former Boise State standout has 14 interceptions through his first 23 games played and he led the league last season with nine. Considering how well his career is going so far, Bland is determined to maintain the same mindset he had when he entered the NFL.

“It’s all been the same,” Bland said of his preparation for Year 3. “Gotta keep it the same. I always have the same expectations. It [did] improve my confidence, going into more years in this league as well. I’m going into my third year so, yeah, I’m more confident now.”

On top of his elite production, much of Bland’s confidence comes from his position coach Al Harris. The Cowboys added assistant head coach to Harris’s title this offseason after several teams sought to interview him for open jobs.

“He’s been very key” Bland said of Harris. “Coming in, you’re not always gonna have a coach that’ll give you that boost of confidence to tell you to go and get the ball — to tell you to go and do you. Having him in the room and as an assistant head coach, where everybody on the team can experience him now, has been great.”

Bland expecting ‘dangerous’ return of Trevon Diggs

Despite the success he found in Trevon Diggs’ absence last season, Bland is still over the moon to be getting his teammate back soon. The young corner gave an eye-popping quote about the recovering DB when asked what fans should expect from his return.

“I mean, a lot of people are not expecting what Tre is gonna come back with,” Bland said on Wednesday night. “I know what Tre is gonna come back with. It’s going to be something dangerous. Can’t wait.”

Diggs, 26, was off to a fast start before tearing his ACL last season. In two games, he came down with an interception and forced a fumble, leading the way for the Cowboys’ defense.

Before his season-ending injury, Diggs finalized a contract extension with Dallas that made him one of the highest-paid corners in the league. He signed a megadeal for five years and $97 million. If Bland keeps it up, the Cowboys will have to consider giving him a megadeal as well in the next two years.