Cowboys' Draft Strategy: Prioritize Safety Caleb Downs

On April 21st, the Dallas Cowboys are sitting on two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL draft,

and after last season's defensive meltdown, it's clear they got a poor both into rebuilding that unit.

The top priority?

Snacking Ohio State's safety Caleb Downs, no question. He's the stud they can't pass on.

Downs brings elite instincts and football smarts that fit perfect in today's schemes,

handling run support like a linebacker while locking down the.

Deep ball in zone coverage, a guy like him could transform their secondary overnight.

Cowboys fans might push for spreading those picks at 12 and 20,

but the defense coughed up the most passing yards per game at 200.

51.5 and 30.1 points allowed. Their new DC, Christian Parker, with his DB coaching roots,

knows exactly how to unleash a player like this. This draft class looks thin overall,

so trading both picks to climb into the top 10 makes sense for that difference maker impact.

Quality beats quantity when your back feels leaking like that.

Offense is already loaded, so doubling down on downs,

sets them up to compete now smart chess in a league that punishes weak D.