The 2026 NFL Draft just got more interesting! The Dallas Cowboys traded up to No.11 with the Miami Dolphins, sending their own No.12 overall pick and two fifth-round selections (Nos. 177 and 180) to secure Ohio State Buckeyes safety, Caleb Downs.

But this decision got a lot of mixed reactions, with Jerry Jones at the centre of the debate.

The Cowboys posted this news on their X account with a pic of Downs and the caption stating: 

“Caleb is a Cowboy: #NFLDraft April 23-25 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC”

Downs recorded a total of 257 tackles (164 solo), 16 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks overall. The 2x Unanimous All-American player was considered the nation’s No.1 safety prospect after ranking as one of the top players in the 2023 college football recruiting class. 

And as per the Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department, Downs was ranked as the No.1 safety as well as the No.1 overall player in the draft class.

Analysts like Sharp Football’s Brendan Donahue had projected the Cowboys trading up to No. 9 to secure Downs, viewing him as a perfect fit for new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. 

The Cowboys secured Caleb Downs after watching David Bailey (no. 2), Sonny Styles (no. 7), and Mansoor Delane (no. 6) be drafted by the New York Jets, Washington Commanders, and Kansas City Chiefs, respectively.

The Cowboys were projected to trade up to the top-10 pick for a defensive pick, but trading up one spot to secure Caleb Downs has made the fans divided.  

Fans React as Cowboys Trade Up for Caleb Downs

The fans' reaction to the trade-up by one spot was quite mixed. Many fans were not happy with this pick. One fan expressed his disappointment with Jerry Jones, saying:

“Well, Jerry just cost us another season, could have taken Mesadore with the 21st pick. But instead, he decides to trade it to our arch-rival.”

Another fan just put it straight, saying

“Bust”

One fan had an interesting take on the trade situation, saying:

“Love the pick but don't think yall had to trade up to do it.”

Not everyone felt that this was a bad pick or a useless trade. Many fans felt that Downs brings great skills to the defense, saying:

“Defense just got a huge boost! Nicely done, Jerry Jones.”

Another fan commented along the same lines, saying:

“Love, love this pick.”

The same draft pick sparked excitement for some and doubt for others. Only time will reveal the true impact that Downs will make with the Cowboys.

Do you think the Cowboys made a good pick drafting Downs?

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi