The Dallas Cowboys made a new addition to the defense by adding safety Caleb Downs out of Ohio State. Dallas drafted Downs with the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. With the Cowboys starting their off-season program and getting practices underway, Downs has seemed to have made a good impression on the organization, especially given that they drafted him that high. He has just put the front office on notice but also that of Cowboys star quarterback Dak Prescott.
Dak Prescott Gets Real About Cowboys Rookie Safety Caleb Downs
It was reported by Kevin Patra of NFL.com that Prescott spoke highly of Downs this past weekend saying, “How professional he is, how calm he is; quiet, yet confident,” said. Prescott. “It’s contagious. You feel it. He’s a man who’s sure of who he is. When you are that way in this business, you know you can speak up, speak out. You can say things you believe and age doesn’t really matter, because you know you’re doing the right thing.”
Prescott talked about Downs’ leadership, getting adjusted to the NFL, and meshing well with other teammates, stating, “He’s a guy that’s a leader just by the way that he carries himself and the way he approaches it,” Prescott said. “I know he’s leading that rookie class, but he understands the way that the locker room goes and what it means to earn veterans’ trust and to get their respect. He’s a humble kid that’s coming in there every day, quiet and grinding.”
Caleb Downs Breakdown
Caleb Downs began his college football career at Alabama in 2023. As a freshman, Downs recorded 107 tackles, four passes defended, a forced fumble, and two interceptions, being named SEC Freshman of the Year and First Team All-American by Pro Football Focus. Downs put himself on the map as one of the top defensive players in the country. In his sophomore year in 2024, Downs transferred to Ohio State, recording 82 total tackles, two interceptions, and six passes defended en route to a National Championship with the Buckeyes.
In 2025 as a Junior, Downs continued to shine, totaling 68 tackles, one sack, two interceptions, two passes defended, and two forced fumbles. Downs even concluded the season ninth in the Heisman Trophy race. He also won Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s best defensive back along with other accolades.
Downs is a safety who can be in the box and support against the run but can also cover on the back end and make plays on the ball. The Cowboys revamped their defense and Caleb Downs is part of the effort to improve it. Dallas will continue their OTAs through June 11th.
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