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Cowboys Focus on Rookie Caleb Downs to Strengthen Defense Ahead of 2026 Season
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- Cowboys Focus on Rookie Caleb Downs to Strengthen Defense Ahead of 2026 Season
The Dallas Cowboys traded up one spot in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs with the No. 11 pick. To do so, Dallas gave the Miami Dolphins the No. 12 pick and two fifth-rounders.
Downs joins the Cowboys after an impressive 2025 season with the Buckeyes. He appeared in 14 games, accumulating 68 tackles , five tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions and two pass deflections. He finished ninth in Heisman Trophy voting and was a consensus All-American.
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The Cowboys got a good look at their first-round pick during their rookie minicamp from May 1-3. In fact, he even got some extra work with first-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker. The Athletic's Jon Machota reports that Parker worked with Downs one-on-one after Saturday's practice.
Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
"Following Saturday's rookie minicamp practice, Parker spent extra time with Downs individually," Machota wrote. "Parker appeared to be lining up as a receiver and Downs was defending various routes."
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The Cowboys' defense was one of their biggest weaknesses last year and a major factor in missing out on the playoffs. They ranked 30th in total yards allowed per game ( 377 ) and 32nd in points allowed per game (30.1).
His performance during minicamp caught the attention of head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who said , "He's what we thought. The person, elite. The intelligence, elite," according to Machota.
With the rookie receiving high praise from the coaching staff, expectations for him to make an immediate impact only increase. While practice reps can't perfectly replicate in-game experience, this extra attention from Parker can help boost Downs' preparation before his first season.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
