The Dallas Cowboys' decision to select Caleb Downs in the first round (No. 11) of the 2026 NFL Draft could be a franchise-altering move. Downs enters his rookie season with high expectations to strengthen the defense through his versatility and leadership.

During an episode of the Locked on Cowboys podcast, hosts Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool praised Downs for his consistent performance in college and for his adaptability in fitting different defensive schemes. 

“The fact that he was able to do it [in college football] in three different defenses with three different defensive coordinators, one of which being a freshman ingesting a Nick Saban defense,” McCool said. “Nick Saban basically views him as one of the greatest defensive backs he's ever had. Think about what that means for God's sakes.”

Former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban also praised Downs as a 'great competitor' and 'an instinctive player,' whose versatility to play at many positions makes him stand out. 

Downs had his best season of college at Alabama with Saban, recording 107 tackles (70 solo), four passes defended, two interceptions, and one forced fumble in 2023. 

McCool believes Downs could bring in an elevated performance compared to that of his college career in the NFL. He also said he had never seen a better résumé in college football than the one Downs put together. 

Downs recorded 68 tackles (45 solo), one sack, two passes defended, and two interceptions in 2025, earning him Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a Jim Thorpe Award.

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott also had high praise for Downs, commending the rookie's leadership qualities and infectious energy.

Prescott Impressed by Rookie Caleb Downs

The Cowboys executives and fans are all hyped about Downs playing for the team, and QB Prescott is no exception.

"How professional he is, how calm he is; quiet, yet confident," Prescott said, in an interview with The Dallas Morning News. "It's contagious. You feel it. He's a man who's sure of who he is."

The former Ohio State Buckeyes standout also impressed the new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker, during his rookie minicamp. Parker called him a 'natural football player' with 'premium instincts', impressed by his football intellect and consistency.

"He's a guy that's a leader just by the way that he carries himself and the way he approaches it," Prescott added. "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."

With veteran players, coaches, and analysts all praising him, Downs is already showing signs of being a cornerstone of the Cowboys' defense for years to come.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore