Cowboys take standout safety Caleb Downs after trading up a spot from No. 12 to No. 11
Cowboys take standout safety Caleb Downs after trading up a spot from No. 12 to No. 11
Frank SchwabFri, April 24, 2026 at 1:15 AM UTC
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The Dallas Cowboys had options in the first round of the NFL Draft, thanks to the extra first-round pick they had due to the Micah Parsons trade. Many thought they’d use the extra ammunition to make a big trade up in the first round.
The Cowboys did move up. It just wasn’t the big move everyone was waiting for. But it was an important one, and they got a player who some considered to be the best prospect in the entire draft.
The Cowboys moved up from No. 12 to No. 11 in the first round and took Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. That’s a massive pick for a versatile safety who can transform the Cowboys’ defense. And the Cowboys didn’t have to move the 20th overall pick. They traded No. 12, 177 and 180 to the Miami Dolphins for the 11th pick, via ESPN. It was worth it to get a difference maker for a defense that needed it.
Caleb Downs of the Ohio State Buckeyes was drafted by the Cowboys after Dallas traded up. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images) (CFP via Getty Images)
The Cowboys had the 12th pick in the draft, which was their own after a disappointing 7-9-1 season, and the 20th pick from the Green Bay Packers in the Parsons trade. And Dallas had a clear and glaring need to fix the defensive side of the ball. Downs can step in and be an impact starter from the start of the season. He was a dynamic player with the Buckeyes, a do-everything safety that will help the Cowboys combat the various offensive schemes they will be defending.
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The Cowboys have been working on their defense through the offseason. It started when they fired last season’s coordinator Matt Eberflus and replacing him with Eagles passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Christian Parker. They traded for edge rusher Rashan Gary and their big signing was safety Jalen Thompson. Thompson now pairs with Downs for an intriguing safety duo.
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The work was far from done. Dallas’ needs coming into the draft included an off-ball linebacker, cornerback and perhaps another edge rusher. The question was whether the Cowboys should use their two first-round picks to move up for one standout prospect, or use the picks for two players who can contribute right away. The Cowboys didn’t have to give up both first-round picks for one of the best defenders in the draft.
The Cowboys gave up the most points in the NFL last season, squandering a very good season from quarterback Dak Prescott and the offense. The Cowboys knew that the right moves in the draft to help the defense could push them closer to a return to the playoffs. Downs will help with that goal right away.
Source: “AOL Sports”
