The 2026 NFL draft was quite an unexpected event, with the Dallas Cowboys trading up to No. 11 to secure the Ohio State Buckeyes' Caleb Downs.

During the Bleacher Report’s Thursday Night Coverage. Micah Parsons, the former Cowboys linebacker, had some words of wisdom to pass on to the rising star of the Cowboys.

B/R Gridiron on X posted what Parsons said.

"You're not here to be behind nobody, you are not here to say ‘You I’m here to learn from him’ and so and so. You’re here to start and be the guy. You ARE the guy."

In the Cowboys' current system under DC Christian Parker, the safety isn't just a tackler; they are the "quarterback of the defense," as Jerry Jones said via DallasCowboys.com.

Parsons is making it clear that there is no "rookie transition period" for Downs. He is expected to command the huddle and eliminate the mistakes that plagued Dallas last season.

The Cowboys entered the first round with  No.12 and No.20 picks in the first round. And they traded up to No.11 with the Miami Dolphins, just one spot above, to secure Caleb Downs by exchanging their No.12, No.177, and No.180 picks from the third round.

The Cowboys did not have an alarming need at safety, but with Malik Hooker on the last year of the deal, Downs could be a game-changer that the team is looking for.

The former Ohio State defensive back can play three positions on demand, from nickel corner to free safety to strong safety to linebacker, depending on the play call, per Patrick Walker of DallasCowboys.com.

The Cowboys proved they can still identify and secure impact defensive playmakers, even at the cost of giving up multiple picks, including a first-round pick.  

What Does Caleb Downs Add to the Cowboys’ Defense

Ohio State Buckeyes Safety Caleb Downs was projected as a dream target for the Cowboys, bringing production of 257 tackles and 6 interceptions across three seasons.

According to Garrett Podell of CBS Sports,

“Ohio State two-time unanimous All-American Caleb Downs is the 2026 NFL Draft's top safety prospect because he can do a little bit of everything..He can also stand out in coverage deep downfield and lining up in the slot.”

Downs recorded 68 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions in the 2025 season. As a Jim Thorpe Award winner and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (2025), he was considered the Nation's No.1 safety prospect and was ranked as one of the top players in the 2023 college football recruiting class.

With Dallas facing a clear need to improve defensively, Downs is expected to step in as an immediate-impact starter.

Do you think the Cowboys defense will get better with Downs?

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi