Caleb Downs: Cowboys' Game-Changer in 2026 Draft

On April 27th, the 2026 NFL draft just wrapped up with 257 picks across all 32 teams.

Right off the bat, evaluators are calling the Dallas Cowboys one of the biggest winners

thanks to a smart trade-up for Ohio State's safety, Caleb Downs.

At number 11 overall, that move landed them what many see as the top pound for pound

talent in the class, a guy ready to lock down the back end from day 1.

Just like Dame Brugler, from the New York Times, raved about Downs as a culture changer

with elite speed, instincts, and tackling that fit perfectly.

Into their new defense scheme, ESPN even slapped an A grade on Dallas for finally fixing

a secondary that got torched last year.

Meanwhile, former Cowboys star Micah Parsons, now lighting it up with the Packers, hit the

rookie with some real talk pressure, comes with the territory, but it's a privilege if

you tune out the noise.

Downs brings six college picks and killer run recognition after dominating at Alabama

and Ohio State, turning a weak spot into a strength that could.

Push Dallas back toward contention.