The Dallas Cowboys moved up to pick Caleb Downs 11th overall.

Brian Schottenheimer, the head coach, talked about his role in the defense right after the pick.

On April 24, 2026, Calvin Watkins of Dallas News and DMN Cowboys tweeted that Schottenheimer had confirmed that Downs would play the nickel.

"Brian Schottenheimer said Caleb Downs will play the nickel. Jerry Jones said Downs is a quarterback of the defense type of nickel. Jones joked he's been brain washed and the Cowboys needed a nickel corner," Watkins wrote via X. 

The fact that the head coach and owner agreed on Downs' role shows that this was a priority for the organization, not just a change after the draft.

In 2025, he played for Ohio State and got an 87.0 PFF coverage grade while calling defensive plays from the secondary. He had 68 tackles, five tackles for loss, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.

He won the Jim Thorpe Award and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and led a defense that was the best in the country in total defense.

Schottenheimer said that Downs would be in charge of defensive communication, handling strength motions, and travel assignments. However, the linebacker will wear the green dot helmet at first while the rookie gets used to things.

To move up and get Downs, the Cowboys gave the Miami Dolphins pick No. 12 and two fifth-round picks.

Schottenheimer is said to have told Jerry Jones that it would make him sick to his stomach if they didn't get him. Downs was one of only two players the Cowboys thought they could trade up to get before the draft.

Dallas Cowboys Land Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence in busy first round

The Cowboys didn't just add Downs on draft night. They came out of the first round with two key defensive players and a surprise from their star wide receiver.

Will McClay, the executive vice president, made it clear that getting Downs was an easy choice. 

"He's a difference-making type player and we're very, very fortunate to get him. He's a multiplier. He's going to make other people better. So, it was very easy to see, and I'm glad he's a Cowboy," McClay said.

The Cowboys then let Philadelphia move up from pick 23 to 20, and in return, they got picks 114 and 137. They then picked UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence at 23.

"He's a pressure player, so you would like him in any scheme. I think he adds value because of the edge rush and the multiplicity that he could provide for the defense," McClay added.

Lawrence adds pass rush from the edge, and with Pickens expected to sign his $27.3 million franchise tag, Dallas looks ready for the upcoming season.

You can read more at the Dallas Cowboys Community!

Written by

Abhay Bharti

Edited by

Kalp Thaker