Jerry Jones makes an unexpected comparison for Caleb Downs, but it says everything about the Cowboys’ first-round pick
The Dallas Cowboys got a heck of a defensive back in Caleb Downs. But more than that, they got a leader to run the defense even as a rookie.
When Caleb Downs arrived at The Star in Frisco, Texas, after being selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, a fan approached him to say: “I hope you’re the next Ed Reed.”
Downs said he planned on being himself.
Though Downs’ confidence in himself is admirable, the comparisons won’t stop. That’s just life when you come into the NFL as such a hyped up prospect.
In fact, even owner and general manager Jerry Jones had one of his own. Only this one may sound a little strange at first. It, however, says a lot about their vision for Downs.
Jones compares Downs to… Dak Prescott
While the Cowboys love what they’re getting in Caleb Downs the defensive back, it may not be as much as what they’re getting in Caleb Downs the leader.
“I saw him talk about his sister with her sitting over there yesterday, and there wasn’t one ounce of makeup, there wasn’t anything,” Jones said Saturday. “He was just talking. Reminds me of Dak. He does. He’s a pied piper.”
Jones isn’t alone in the sentiment. Cowboys VP of player personnel Will McClay explained the feedback matches the leadership they’re already seeing from Downs.
“And players know players,” McClay added to Jones’ anecdote. “We evaluate and everything, but guys on the field know the other guys on the field. And that innate respect that everybody you talk to about (Downs), that’s played against him, has for him too—that kind of gives you that confidence that what you’re seeing is real as well.”
You can add Schottenheimer, who has emphasized a strong locker room as the Cowboys head coach, as a fan of Downs’ leadership.
“People are drawn to him,” Schottenheimer said. “He’s very approachable, very serious. There’s a military background in his family. There’s a coaching background in his family. He’s very curious about all kinds of things. And I just think what I love about him is he is so comfortable in his own skin.”
Downs’ leadership will be tested early on
Schottenheimer expects Downs’ leadership skills to translate to the football field, starting with handling communication and checks at nickel.
“Whatever the calls are, he is driving the defense,” Schottenheimer added. “And for a young guy to be able to do that at Alabama, playing for Nick Saban, and then going to a completely different defense at Ohio State under Jim Knowles, and then Matt Patricia comes in—he’s never wavered. That jumped off the film, that command, and it comes from self-awareness and confidence.”
Comparing Downs’ leadership to Dak Prescott’s is no small thing. But based on everything Dallas is saying about him, it may be well justified.