Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs is primed for a stellar career. Will the Ohio State product win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award? If so, he’ll accomplish a feat that not many safeties in his history have pulled off.
Romell Williams of Athlon Sports wrote an article about bold Cowboys predictions that might actually become true in 2026. Downs winning Rookie of the Year was one of his three predictions for Dallas:
“Caleb Downs Wins AP Defensive Rookie of the Year
The former Ohio star arrives in Dallas with elite instincts, versatility, and the ability to impact every level of the defense. Parker’s scheme is expected to emphasize turnovers and aggressive playmaking, which perfectly fits Downs’ strengths. If the Cowboys revamped defense makes the leap many expect, Downs could become its centerpiece almost immediately. He has the range to erase explosive plays, which was a big reason why the Cowboys lost close games last year. He has the football IQ to create takeaways, and the physicality to thrive against the run.”
Downs will likely have to compete with fellow first-year defenders like Jets linebacker David Bailey and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Rueben Bain Jr. But can the Cowboys safety beat them out for Defensive Rookie of the Year?
Cowboys Safety Caleb Downs Could Make History in 2026
Looking Back at His Career
Long before Downs became a Cowboys safety, he starred at Mill Creek High School, located in Hoschton, Georgia. He played football, basketball, and baseball at the school. 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 a unanimous All-American and was named First-Team All-Big Ten. He also helped the team win a national championship, as they defeated current Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard and Notre Dame in the title game. Downs 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 2026 NFL Draft.
Safeties Who’ve Won Rookie of the Year
Winning Defensive Rookie of the Year as a safety is extremely rare. Only two players at the position have ever won the award: Erik McMillan and Mark Carrier.
McMillan was the first to do so, taking home the honor in 1988 with the New York Jets. That year, he recorded eight interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. McMillan also earned the first of his two career Pro Bowl selections.
Then Carrier received the award in 1990 as a member of the Chicago Bears. The former sixth overall pick earned Pro Bowl and Second-Team All-Pro honors after tallying a league-high 10 interceptions and a league-best five forced fumbles.
Will Downs Accomplish the Feat?
Williams stated that “a stat line of 100-plus tackles, four interceptions, and double-digit pass breakups would put him front and center for the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation.”
It wouldn’t be surprising if Downs puts up those kinds of numbers in 2026. The Cowboys’ safety is that good. He possesses the abiliy to raise the floor and ceiling of Dallas’ defense due to his athleticism and versatile skill set.
Although a safety hasn’t won Defensive Rookie of the Year since 1990, look for Downs to end the long streak in 2026.
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