The Dallas Cowboys’ defensive concerns are no longer just about filling gaps, they are reshaping the entire draft conversation. While Caleb Downs had been the consensus favorite in projections, a surprising shift now sees Treydan Stukes emerge as a first-round option.

"(Adam) Schefter: One GM said he'd draft S Treydan Stukes ahead of Caleb Downs," read a recent X post by Underdog NFL. "One of the best safeties I've seen [in my time as a GM]."

"This guy makes freaky plays that I haven't seen other safeties make”, the GM added. 

Treydan Stukes joined the Arizona Wildcats as a walk-on initially, barely featuring in his freshman year.

“It would not be a shock to see Stukes sneak into Round 1,” according to Schefter.

Out of 52 games played for the Arizona Wildcats, Stukes recorded a total of 206 tackles (124 solo), 12 tackles for loss and one sack, with 7 interceptions.

The player was praised for his performance last season, where he recorded 4 interceptions and 52 tackles (24 solo) for 10 games played.

"Stukes had four interceptions last season and ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the combine," according to Adam Schefter. “ Teams say they think he can play both safety positions, nickel corner and outside CB.”

Stukes did not arrive with instant hype, featuring in just three games as a freshman with eight total tackles.

But what followed was a steady rise, turning himself into a dependable presence by logging double-digit appearances in four of the next five seasons, quietly becoming a cornerstone in Arizona’s secondary.

With shifting projections around defensive prospects in the first round, the Dallas Cowboys now have multiple options on the table, making their draft strategy more complex and difficult to navigate.

Insider Doubts Caleb Downs Falling Within Cowboys’ Reach

Caleb Downs of the Ohio State Buckeyes is widely projected as a top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, making it unlikely for the Dallas Cowboys, who have a No. 12 pick. 

This matter is further complicated by the fact that the Giants just received a No. 10 Pick from the Cincinnati Bengals for Dexter Lawrence, and will perhaps snap up the defense target before the Cowboys.

"I've been told by numerous teams that there's no chance in h*** that Caleb Downs will be around at twelve overall. He's likely going before twelve," ESPN’s Peter Schrager, during his appearance on Pat McAfee’s show, said.

He also suggested that the Cowboys may have to sacrifice some picks for them to move up to secure him. 

Caleb Downs brings elite production of 257 tackles (164 solo), 12 passes defended, and six interceptions with 1.5 sacks over 44 college games.

With such a profile, the Cowboys could be tempted to move up to the top-10 in the first round, or pivot to Treydan Stukes.

You can read more at the Dallas Cowboys Community!

Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote