The Dallas Cowboys, after securing five defensive picks out of seven, focused on their rookie minicamp (May 1-3) after the draft. The rookie players received their jersey numbers during their minicamp, which will often change until the regular season begins. 

Caleb Downs initially wore Jersey 18 during the rookie minicamp, but is now set to wear Jersey 13 for the time being in OTAs, previously worn by DeMarvion Overshown in 2024 and Dante Fowler in 2025.  When asked if Caleb Downs is trying to get to his favorite #2, Gary Downs, father of Caleb Downs, said the number doesn't matter.  

"I believe he's wearing 13 for the OTAs, 2 is still a work in progress,” Gary Downs said per X post of “DLLS Cowboys podcast.” “He understands that if someone else has that number, he's not going to go and just take it away from him." 

Caleb Downs has sported the Jersey No. 2 throughout his high school and collegiate career, which is currently donned by CB Cobie Durant. 

According to Tommy Yarrish of the DallasCowboys.com, backup QB Sam Howell, who previously claimed #13, is moving to #16. And undrafted free agent Jordan Hudson, who was previously slated to wear #16, is moving to #18.

“But he [Caleb] said none of it matters, he's got to play regardless,” Gary Downs said. “When it comes to ball, it's got to be about football; it's not going to be about social media, not going to be about marketing; he understands it's about to prove himself. And so, regardless of the number, he knows that is not the main thing.”

Though Downs’ mother is serious about her son getting #2, Gary and Caleb Downs are more focused on the football output on the field.

Meanwhile, Caleb Downs impressed the Cowboys coaches during rookie minicamp, proving to be the right choice to trade up and secure him in the first round. 

Caleb Downs Already Standing Out for Cowboys Coaches 

Caleb Downs earned immediate praise from DC Christian Parker in the rookie minicamp for his ‘premium instincts’ and ‘football intellect’ and being quick on his feet. 

Will McClay, VP of Player Personnel for the Dallas Cowboys, backed that up by calling Caleb Downs a “football savant” because of his elite football IQ and advanced understanding of schemes and concepts, according to Mike Moraitis of Si.com.

The 'quarterback of defense' is expected to play at the nickel, as mentioned by HC Schottenheimer in the post-draft Day 1 conference.

“The starting point for him is going to be playing nickel for us. He’s got the ability to cover receivers and tight ends and also play the run and, more importantly, drive the defense and make the calls.”

With coaches already envisioning him as a key communicator in the secondary, the Cowboys appear convinced they landed a strong defensive piece for the future.

Do you think Downs can keep this level in the upcoming season?

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi