Darren Woodson, the former Dallas Cowboys safety, recently praised the team’s No. 11 pick of the Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs and didn't object when Downs was called his 'clone' by Clarence Hill Jr.

During his recent appearance on the DLLS Cowboys Podcast with longtime writer Clarence Hill Jr, Woodson shared that he was impressed with Downs' culture and mentality for the game.

“I think it is more for the mental state and the culture of this team, that is why I was excited. But all I heard about was his leadership capabilities and his willingness to stay after and sit down with coaches and learn the schemes, and find out where his weaknesses were."

Woodson finished his career with three Super Bowl wins and 5 Pro Bowl selections, which also include three first-team All-Pro selections, recording 967 tackles throughout his career.

During the post-draft conference of Day 1, Kevin Sherrington from Dallas Morning News, asked Jones whether Downs was the best safety the Cowboys had drafted since Darren Woodson.

"Darren had played linebacker and then went back to safety. I don't think we could have imagined the impact that Darren Woodson would have had on that team", Jones said.

Jones further went on to exemplify Woodson’s life after football.

“What I would point to as an example - look at what he is after football. That's impressive. Same logic, same rationale, same judgment. A leader by example.” Jones concluded. 

And Woodson had the same opinion of Downs, as the organisation needs "someone to come in and be the general and be the quarterback of that defense for a long time."

And it's no surprise that Jerry Jones was pretty satisfied with his No. 11 pick overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, cementing the defense gap with Downs versatility.

Dallas Cowboys Get a Boost With Caleb Downs

Jerry Jones couldn't be more delighted in bringing someone of the caliber of Caleb Downs.

“I couldn't be more rewarded than to have Downs with one of those picks, because he is a big-time player and covers a lot of ground,” 

Downs was projected as a dream target for the Cowboys, bringing production of 257 tackles (164 solo), 1.5 sacks, and 12 passes defended across three seasons.

According to Garrett Podell of CBS Sports, he is expected to bring versatility in defense, making him a seamless fit in the new defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s scheme.

Downs could be expected to step in as a starter right away, and if all goes as planned, he could play a key role in the team’s push for a Lombardi Trophy.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi