Grading the pick: Dallas Cowboys trade up to get Caleb Downs, and it sets the tone for a new age on defense
The Dallas Cowboys were patient for 10 picks. But at No. 11, they had to move up for safety Caleb Downs out of Ohio State. Considered one of the best players of the class, it’s a massive steal.
The Dallas Cowboys were patient for 10 picks. But at No. 11, they had to move up for Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.
The Cowboys moved up one spot after agreeing to a deal with the Miami Dolphins. In return for moving up from No. overall, the Cowboys gave up two of their three fifth-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft (No. 177 and No. 182).
The Cowboys get immediate All-Pro impact
In Downs, the Cowboys are getting a player with All-Pro written all over him, and he’s a perfect fit for new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. In the pre-draft process, Downs was widely regarded as the smartest player of the class. That alone makes him a perfect candidate to become an immediate communicator in Parker’s multiple defense.
More than that, Downs plays like a missile near the box. Though slightly undersized, he’s fast and physical, and he’s one of the best tacklers in the class. He can do it all: Defend the run, cover, and run sideline to sideline. He played several positions for Nick Saban and Matt Patricia, and he could be a nickel, box safety, or free safety for the Cowboys.
Paired with another versatile DB like Jalen Thompson, the Cowboys defense just got a lot more fun to watch.
Without any further ado, let’s dive into Brandon Little’s scouting report detailing what Downs brings to the table for the Cowboys.
Caleb Downs scouting report
- Age: 21
- Career projection: All-Pro potential
- School: Ohio State
There may not be a smarter football player in the entire draft than Downs. If he wants to be a coach when his playing career is over, that path will be there for the taking. Downs was a unanimous two-time All-American at Ohio State, and there hasn’t been a more impressive safety in college football over the past three years. Ohio State often played Downs closer to the line of scrimmage to maximize his impact, but his freshman tape at Alabama shows more of his ability to fly around in coverage.
Downs is at his best when reading and reacting, which he does at a high level—something I’ve consistently seen during his time at Ohio State. He has the ability to be a hard-hitting safety who doesn’t shy away from contact, and he’s comfortable in both man and zone coverage. With his instincts, football IQ, and overall talent, there may not be a safer pick in the draft—even at a non-premium position.
– Brandon Little
Final grade
I can’t overthink this one. You can throw positional value out the window for all I care. The Cowboys got a heck of a football player. He’s an immediate starter and upgrade on defense, and fans won’t have to wait to see him make an impact.
On top of that, the Cowboys get a standout teammate who can be a communicator inside Parker’s defense.
GRADE: A+
With the Cowboys picking again at No. 20 overall, you still have time to game out the rest of the draft with our simulator below”
