Without a doubt, Caleb Downs is one of the best safety prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class. Several teams would love to add the Ohio State star to their defense. Downs would be a great pickup for the Dallas Cowboys, who struggled mightily this past season.
Brian Martin of Blogging the Boys put together a 2026 mock draft. He has Dallas selecting Downs 12th overall:
“12. Dallas Cowboys: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
The way things have played out so far has arguably the best player in the entire draft still on the board for the Dallas Cowboys at No. 12. Caleb Downs is one of the few blue-chip players in the 2026 draft class and could be a perfect fit in Christian Parker’s defensive scheme. He is a difference-maker and would immediately make his impact felt on the field as a rookie. He also fits the culture Brian Schottenheimer is continuing to try to build in Dallas. This would mark the first time Dallas has drafted a safety in the first-round since 2002 (Roy Williams).”
Like Martin pointed out, Downs would be a good fit in Dallas’ defensive scheme.
Caleb Downs Would Be the Perfect Draft Pick for the Cowboys
Spotlighting His Career
Caleb Downs attended Mill Creek High School, located in Hoschton, Georgia. He played football, basketball, and baseball. Considered the nation’s top safety prospect, he was named the 2023 USA Today Defensive Football Player of the Year.
Downs received college offers from schools such as Clemson, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Ohio State. Yet, he ultimately chose Alabama. During his debut season with the Crimson Tide, Downs recorded 107 combined tackles and two interceptions. For his efforts, he was named SEC Freshman of the Year.
Downs then transferred to Ohio State. In his first year with the Buckeyes, he was an unanimous All-American and was named First-Team All-Big Ten. He also helped the team win a national championship. He finished the season with 82 tackles and two interceptions.
In 2025, Downs was a unanimous All-American once again and took home Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors. He also won the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given to the top defensive back in college football. Downs finished with 68 tackles, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, and a sack. He then declared for the NFL draft.
Why the Cowboys Should Draft Caleb Downs
The Cowboys are coming off an extremely disappointing year. The team ended up with a 7-9-1 record and missed the playoffs. Led by quarterback Dak Prescott, the wide receiver duo of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, as well as running back Javonte Williams, Dallas was great on offense. However, the team’s struggling defense is perhaps the main reason for their forgettable season.
For the first time in franchise history, the Cowboys allowed more than 30 points per game (30.1) and gave up a team-record 511 points. Their secondary was picked apart as opposing quarterbacks completed 68.5% of their passes. Even Russell Wilson (New York Giants) torched Dallas’ defense, throwing for 450 yards and three touchdowns in Week 2.
With that said, the Cowboys could certainly use a top-flight safety like Caleb Downs. Downs possesses mobility, angle IQ, and physicality on blocks. He has the ability to play either safety position and can move into the slot as well if needed. He also has plenty of speed and can quickly dissect plays.
Downs, of course, can’t turn around the Cowboys’ defense by himself. However, there’s a good chance he’d he’d improve their secondary.
Main Image: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
