Newly drafted Cowboys safety Caleb Downs is ready to do anything for Parker's defense
The Dallas Cowboys may have gotten the steal of the NFL Draft as Ohio State safety Caleb Downs fell into their laps. ... once Dallas sort of "moved its lap,'' that is.
The Cowboys had to trade up one spot to No. 11 to get Downs, and they parted ways with two fifth-round picks to snare Downs.
And man, was the Dallas war room hyped. Rightly so, though.
In Downs, the Cowboys got a player who can be the leader of the defense, organize his teammates, and also play in multiple positions. In short, he can do a lot on the field for Christian Parker.
For most, Downs will be asked to do many things as the defensive leader, whether that be in coverage, as a blitzer, and anything else Parker wants him to do.
But what does the man himself think he can add to this defense?
"I think it's just being able to make plays in all facets of the game," Downs said. "Whether that's near the line of scrimmage or in the deep part of the field, I feel like I could do it all and it'll be a great relationship to be able to do that with the Cowboys."
So Downs is confident that he can fit into Parker's scheme and be productive and in truth, most knew that already.
Seen as one of the most complete players in the draft according to multiple draft experts and scouts, with Drew Fabianich, who is the executive director of the Senior Bowl, stating he's the closest thing he's seen to Hall of Famer Ed Reed.
That is a big call.
But Downs has all the tools needed to make a big impact in the NFL, and it is clear the Cowboys think so, too, given he can do so much for a defense that desperately needs it.
"That's what I'm looking to do. I'm looking to make an impact and do a lot of things on the field," Downs added. "So, we've got to go make something happen."
The defense on paper certainly appears better than it did last season, with Downs at the center of it.
In most mock drafts, and on podcasts prior to the first round, Downs was seen as the ideal prospect for the Cowboys, and while they needed a little luck, things panned out for Dallas.
And now Downs is ready to do it all for the Cowboys in 2026.