The Dallas Cowboys are counting on rookie Caleb Downs to make an immediate impact in their revamped secondary, and veteran safety P.J. Locke has shared an honest take on Downs’ approach and play-making ability both on and off the field.

During the recent episode of the Blueprint Podcast on June 29, Locke gave a glowing assessment of Downs and spoke about his organic mentor relationship with the rookie as they spent the offseason together.

“The stuff that you don't see is how he is in the film room. He's super smart, super willing," P.J. Locke said during the podcast. "Early on, I'm not going to compare him to me because he's way ahead of me when it comes to that. He went first round, all that stuff. But I feel like I see me in him because I feel like we have a similar play style. And also the way he asks questions. He always asks questions." 

While Downs was drafted at No. 11 in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, Locke entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He believes that Downs is farther along in his career than Locke was during his rookie days.

Locke revealed that they both stay behind after practice to work out together, and it has become a routine between them. The veteran wants to guide Downs through the "mental rollercoaster" of playing in his rookie season.

“They're gonna look for him a lot, and I just want to be there for him through that mental rollercoaster it's gonna hit at some point," P.J. Locke said in the Blueprint podcast. "It always does. I just want to make sure I'm here to kind of guide him through it because I went through it the worst way. He's gonna be a h*** of a player in this league.”

Along with Locke's strong endorsement of Downs' work ethic, the former Ohio State safety is already projected to be an immediate difference-maker for the Cowboys' defense.

Bleacher Report projects big rookie season for Caleb Downs

Alex Kay of Bleacher Report believes that the Cowboys drafted a game-changer in Downs, and the team's defense looks more complete than last year.

"He's a bona fide Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate who should secure his fair share of tackles and turnovers while transforming the Cowboys into one of the NFL's better defenses," Alex Kay of Bleacher Report wrote on July 1.

Kay projected Downs to record 93 tackles, 2 interceptions, one sack, and one forced fumble in the 2026 season, which would lead him to earn the Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Kay believes that Downs will be available throughout the 2026 season and contribute to the defensive unit through his versatility, instincts, and coverage skills.

Will Caleb Downs live up to the first-round hype and secure the Defensive Rookie of the Year honors as projected, or is the pressure too high in Dallas? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore