The Dallas Cowboys made a new addition to their defense during the 2026 NFL Draft: safety Caleb Downs. While discussing the rookie, owner Jerry Jones recalled how Alabama Crimson Tide's former head coach Nick Saban had praised Downs.

Jones recently appeared on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams. While discussing Dallas' revamped defense and talented new players, Adams called Downs "a young leader already". Jones agreed, echoing Saban's praise for the rookie safety.

"Well, he [Caleb Downs] doesn't shy away from the expectation of him being a player," Jones said. "And Nick Saban was correct. This guy is one of the best players all-around that any of us have seen. And as it turns out, safety has always been an important position."

Jones pointed out Saban's comment regarding Downs on August 13, on the Up & Adams Show. Downs played under Saban in 2023 for the Tide, leading the former Tides HC to laud Dallas' decision to pick Downs in the 2026 NFL Draft.

"This is as fine a young man as you're ever going to find to be a part of your team," Saban said on ESPN's live coverage of the draft in April. "He's a great competitor. He's got great character. He's so instinctive as a player."

Under Saban, Downs led the Southeastern Conference in solo tackles with 70 and had 107 combined solo and assisted tackles. He also recorded 3.5 tackles for loss and defended four passes in 2023.

Last year, he recorded 68 combined solo and assisted tackles, including 5 tackles for loss, a sack, two interceptions, and two passes defended.

Downs was picked No. 11 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. The rookie safety signed a four-year, $28.95 million contract, including a $17.5 million signing bonus.

Now, with a revamped defense and the regular season quickly approaching, Downs is looking ahead at the team's ultimate goal.

Caleb Downs looks at Super Bowl dream amid Cowboys' defensive changes

The Cowboys have stacked their defense this offseason, not only by signing Downs, but also by picking up Malachi Lawrence with their No. 23 overall pick, trading for Pro Bowl linebacker Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers.

Downs laid out the team's goal for the season, but acknowledged that they have to take it one step at a time.

"We are all pushing to win a Super Bowl, but at the end of the day, we can only have the best day today," he said on July 30, according to dallascowboys.com. "We can't win the Super Bowl right now. 
We're just trying to have the best day that we can today, and that's the same thing for myself."

The Cowboys' defense has been on par so far. The Cowboys also won 17-7 against the reigning champions, the Seattle Seahawks, in the first preseason game on August 15.

Do you think Caleb Downs has what it takes to guide the Cowboys through a successful 2026 season? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Written by

Dhruv Singh

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit