Four-time All-Pro safety explains why Caleb Downs will go off for the Dallas Cowboys in no time, and he’s got an insider’s view
Everyone is hyped up about both Dallas Cowboys rookie Caleb Downs and new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. But a former safety with an insider’s view did a great job explaining why it’s legit.
Caleb Downs was a dream scenario for the Dallas Cowboys when they picked him in the 2026 NFL Draft in April. But for Downs, this is also a dream pairing for the right football reasons.
And four-time second-team All-Pro Justin Simmons recently explained why.
Justin Simmons is all in on Caleb Downs in Dallas
Talking with NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Simmons explained why he believes Downs fits exactly what defensive coordinator Christian Parker does. And he has an insider’s view of things, as he played three seasons under Parker in Denver, who he calls one of the most influential coaches in his career.
“I really liked that they got Downs,” Simmons said of the Cowboys. “I think his versatility and what I know (Parker) wants to run, because he comes from that Vic Fangio style — he’ll add his own flavor to it — makes him a great fit.”
Simmons went on to explain how successful Parker has been molding young defensive backs his way.
“If you look at (cornerback Ja’Quan McMillan) in Denver, he’s a CP product,” Simmons said. “I’m not saying CP handpicked him and did the whole thing, but McMillan is playing lights out, and a lot of that is because of the preparation and all the things he learned from CP.
“Then you transition to Philly. At the nickel spot, Cooper DeJean is only three years in, but even in his first year they looked at him as one of the best players at that position. And Quinyon Mitchell — when they drafted him to play corner — was already one of the best.”
Why is that? According to Simmons, because of Parker’s attention to detail and way of coaching.
“His eye for detail, preparation, and execution has to be some of the best I’ve seen,” he added.
Simmons is all in on Parker
The former Broncos safety called Parker one of the most influential people in his career even though the latter arrived in Denver when Simmons was playing his sixth season in the NFL.
It’s worth mentioning Simmons was a second-team All-Pro each season Parker coached defensive backs for the Broncos.
“Just follow the trail for him,” Simmons said. “In Denver, even though we weren’t winning games, our secondary play would have been up there with some of the best. Then he goes to Philly, they win a Super Bowl, and their secondary play is up there among the best as well.”
Downs and Parker may be the most hyped people in Dallas. There’s a good reason why, in the eyes of Simmons.