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Matt Miller’s favorite pick of 2026 NFL Draft belongs to Cowboys
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- Matt Miller’s favorite pick of 2026 NFL Draft belongs to Cowboys
Matt Miller’s favorite pick of 2026 NFL Draft belongs to Cowboys appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Dallas Cowboys landed what ESPN analyst Matt Miller considers the top selection of the 2026 NFL Draft, with safety Caleb Downs earning the No. 1 spot in his post-draft rankings of the 100 best picks, steals and fits.
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Miller identified Downs, selected at No. 11 overall , as his favorite pick of the entire draft, citing a combination of talent, positional need and long-term value for Dallas.
“1. Caleb Downs, S, Dallas Cowboys (Pick 1-11)
My final overall ranking: No. 3
My favorite pick of the draft, Downs will be an immediate playmaker in new defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s scheme. A three-time All-American and a national champion, Downs’ work ethic and culture-setting ability are as important as his on-field skills. He has football savvy and a great feel for the game, which gives him alignment versatility and will allow him a faster acclimation than most rookies. The expectation is that he’ll become a high-end starter with All-Pro potential during his rookie contract. The combination of player, need and value made this the best pick of the 2026 draft.”
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Downs enters the league following a decorated collegiate career that included stops at Alabama and Ohio State, where he established himself as one of the most complete defensive backs in the country. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways — whether in coverage, run support or as a blitzer — aligns with the Cowboys’ defensive priorities heading into the 2026 season.
Cowboys win the 2026 NFL Draft with Caleb Downs pick
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The addition also comes as Dallas transitions under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who is expected to implement a scheme that maximizes versatility and adaptability in the secondary. Downs’ instincts and football IQ position him as a potential cornerstone piece in that system.
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Beyond his physical tools, Downs has drawn consistent praise for his leadership and preparation, traits Miller emphasized as key factors in his evaluation. Those intangibles, combined with his production and pedigree, suggest a relatively smooth transition to the professional level.
For Dallas, the selection represents a significant investment in the defense, with expectations that Downs can contribute immediately while developing into a long-term impact player.
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