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Caleb Downs of the Ohio State Buckeyes speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

The Dallas Cowboys and team owner Jerry Jones have been on a mission to push back into Super Bowl contention this offseason.

While no blockbuster moves have been made just yet, the 2026 NFL Draft offers the Cowboys an opportunity to improve. Entering the first round tonight, Dallas held two first-round picks.

Those two picks were No. 12 and No. 20 overall. However, Jones decided to make an aggressive move. He traded up to No. 11 with the Miami Dolphins in exchange for picks No. 12, No. 177, and No. 180.

With that No. 11 pick, Jones made a big-time splash. He landed Ohio State standout safety Caleb Downs.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz was the first to report that the Cowboys were selecting Downs.

Cowboys’ Super Bowl Push Takes Big Step Forward With Caleb Downs

Improving the defensive secondary was a major need for Dallas. While the Cowboys had made moves to sign free agents like safety Jalen Thompson and cornerback Cobie Durant, being able to land Downs was a steal.

Downs came into the NFL Draft as one of the top defensive players in the nation. Many felt that he could be the best player in the entire draft class.

Only time will tell, but Dallas fans are going to get to watch that unfold in front of them.

What Is Dallas Getting in Caleb Downs?

Throughout his three college seasons, with the first coming at Alabama and the last two at Ohio State, Downs totaled 256 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, six interceptions, and 10 defended passes.

Todd McShay, an NFL Draft expert for The Ringer, shared his overview of Downs. Fans are going to enjoy reading what he had to say.

“Downs grades out as a day-one starting safety and high-impact defender in the NFL. His instincts are damn near flawless (that’s where the Ed Reed comparisons begin and end, as Downs is not a ball-hawking center fielder like Reed was for the Ravens),” McShay wrote.

“Downs’s game compares most favorably to Eric Berry’s (fifth pick in 2010 and a five-time Pro Bowler) and Earl Thomas’s (14th pick in 2010 and a six-time Pro Bowler).”

Basically, the Cowboys are getting a complete all-around safety with superstar potential. It seems likely that he’s going to be an immediate starter for Dallas.

Jerry Jones Finally Deserves Major Praise From Cowboys Fans

Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, Jones had drawn frustration from Cowboys fans. They wanted to see a blockbuster move in free agency or a trade to push back into contention.

With the move for Downs, Jones has accomplished that goal.

Granted, he may not be a proven superstar. There is always a chance that any draft pick could end up being a bust. But, Downs has a much lesser chance of being a bust than many players who will be picked throughout the 2026 draft.

Dallas fans have a reason to celebrate. Downs has the potential to be one of the best defenders in football in the coming years.