Downs was finally able to get on the field with Christian Parker at The Star as rookie minicamp got underway.
One thing Dallas Cowboys fans were excited to see once the franchise drafted stud safety Caleb Downs was to see him on the field.
Well, as rookie minicamp got underway at The Star, fans got a glimpse of their new defensive star working with coordinator Christian Parker.
Granted, it is nothing too strenuous at this time of the offseason, more so learning the playbook, getting acclimated to the new surroundings, and perhaps, most importantly, getting to know the coaching staff and how they want things done.
For Downs, he comes to Dallas and is seen as the guy who can help turn around what was one of the worst defenses in football last season, but to do that, he's got to hit the ground running this offseason.
But how did Downs feel about getting on the grass with Parker and the other coaches on the first day of rookie minicamp?
"I felt like it went well," Downs said. "Just learning the system, being able to be fully immersed in it. I feel like it was a good first day and looking forward to doing more."
It will be a big offseason of learning for Downs and the other rookies, but one thing Caleb has been lauded for, is his football brain.
Having had to learn different defensive schemes at Alabama and then Ohio State, two programs that most think already run NFL-style schemes, Downs now has to learn another one.
But no one is expecting there to be any bumps in the road for Downs in that aspect, simply because of how he prepares and the time he puts into learning every detail of the playbook.
Now learning what Parker wants from his players, how does Downs make sure he's got it all under control?
"The biggest thing is just learning the defense, making everything as even as possible," Downs said. "Some people have been here for years before, and they know the defense, even not necessarily this team, but in my teams prior, but this team has a new D coordinator.
"So really just learning the defense and giving yourself the best shot to play fast."
Day 1 is in the books for Downs, and one thing is for certain, he'll be deep in the playbook during his downtime, that's just how he is wired.
Seen by most as the centerpiece of Parker's defense, dotting his I's and crossing his T's is paramount in being able to play fast from the ouset.
Yes, it's only Day 1, but Downs has gotten a taste of what Parker wants. And I bet he'll want more as well.