The Dallas Cowboys had one of the worst defenses in the NFL during the 2025 NFL season. Dallas decided to address the defense during the 2026 NFL Draft. They moved up from the 12th to the 11th spot with the Miami Dolphins in the 2026 NFL Draft to select Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs. Many people thought that he was the most talented player on the defensive side of the football in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Jun 16, 2026; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs (13) goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Downs has a chance to be a top rookie in the NFL. With him being on the backend of the Cowboys defense, expect this defense to be better this season. They had a 7-9-1 record last season, and the bad defense had a lot to do with them losing games.
NFL Analyst Believes that Dallas Cowboys Safety Caleb Downs Will Be Game-Changer
Jun 16, 2026; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs (13) takes a break during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Grant Gordon of NFL.com wrote about three different headlines for the Cowboys as training camp approaches. One of those headlines is about the arrival of Downs and the potential impact he is going to make on this defense. Gordon said,
“Downs arrives with plenty of hype
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs was viewed as a top-line talent in this year’s draft; the Cowboys getting him at No. 11 overall was a major boon. Since joining the team, Downs has garnered rave reviews. The highest defensive selection for the franchise since Morris Claiborne at No. 6 in 2012, Downs fills a massive DB need for Dallas and could prove to be a steal. How he looks when the pads are on will be must-see viewing for the fans at camp and a pivotal point in the Cowboys’ defensive reconstruction. Downs isn’t the Cowboys’ only 2026 first-round selection, though. Picked 23rd overall, Malachi Lawrence is a pass rusher who some felt went earlier than he should’ve. He has plenty of upside, though, and the Cowboys have plenty of pass-rushing needs to fill after mustering just 35 sacks in 2025 (tied for 22nd in the league).”
He is 6’0″ and weighs 206 lbs. It will be interesting to see what kind of impact he is going to make on this defense on day one. Downs has a chance to be something special. He could potentially wrack up a lot of tackles as a rookie.
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