Why I’m Buying Early Dallas Cowboys Hype Around Caleb Downs

First-round picks are supposed to make a difference, so it’s no surprise that the Dallas Cowboys are expecting a ton out of their two 2026 selections in the opening round. And while the hopes are high for No. 23 pick Malachi Lawrence, the other defender taken 12 spots higher is destined to be “special.”

That’s the opinion on Ohio State All-American Caleb Downs by those who matter. The rookie safety out of Ohio State shined during the Oxnard portion of training camp and impressed in the preseason opener.

The Cowboys are counting on Downs to be a linchpin in the defensive revival for a squad with Super Bowl ambitions. That may be a lot to put on someone without any NFL experience, especially joining a defense that was historically awful last year, but there is something about Downs that matches the hype.

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Caleb Downs is coached through a drill with defensive coordinator Christian Parker | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“He’s constantly making the right decision,” first-year defensive Christian Parker said. Those words were uttered back during rookie minicamp in May. Not much has changed.

Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer and Parker have consistently praised Downs for his ability to communicate on the field – rare for a 21-year-old rookie – as well as his high football IQ, versatility, preparation, playmaking and athleticism.

The defense will look drastically different this year. In addition to Parker transitioning the unit to an aggressive 3-4 scheme, the Cowboys made a splash by signing future Hall of Fame pass rusher Von Miller, locking up defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, and potentially rolling out as many as eight new starters.

Downs is officially a safety, but that position hardly defines his importance and impact on the field. He’ll be everywhere.

“He’s a corner sometimes, he is safety sometimes, he’s a backer sometimes,” Parker said. “He’s a defensive end when he’s blitzing. You want to have a guy who has natural instincts and ability to feel the game and play football.”

The proof is in the peers, at least in what they have to say. That’s no shortage of accolades when it comes to Downs.

Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“Man, he’s a dog, man,” edge Rashan Gary said recently on Good Morning Football. “It’s early, but he’s a pro’s pro, from how he, take notes to the man from how he asks questions to how he wants to be on top of the details. … So just from being a natural leader, he’s a great guy, and I just can’t wait for him to keep on growing and striving because we’re gonna need him.”

Going against All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb every day in practice could be demoralizing for a lesser player, if he wasn’t built for it. Downs is.

“Every play he gets a chance to line up against him, he feels like he’s going to win that rep, and that’s the type of mentality we want on this defense,” fellow safety Malik Hooker said. “Especially coming from a guy that we’re expecting to play a lot, and not only play a lot, but to be a difference maker in our defense.”

Downs echoes the Super Bowl chorus of owner Jerry Jones and his teammates. Those are the goals, and Downs tracks to be one of the focal points if and when the Cowboys end their championship drought.

A lot that has to go right for the Cowboys to get there. Don’t bet on Downs not being up for it.

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