Cowboys seek to fix porous pass defense with elite Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, a potential top prospect and immediate game-changer.
The Dallas Cowboys pass defense was basically non-existent this past season as it was argubly the worst in the NFL. Dallas has many needs that need to be filled in the 2026 Draft, no doubt.
But we say one of them is the position of safety.
The Cowboys have two picks in the first round and could use one of these to maneuver into position to select the best safety in this draft class: Ohio State’s Caleb Downs.
A safety has not gone in the top 10 since Jamal Adams was selected with the No. 6 pick overall in 2017 by the Jets.
Oh, and our Mike Fisher reports that the folks inside The Star view the position as a place where the salary cap (and assets in general) has to "give'' ... and where solid players who "hold down the fort'' might have to be enough.
But we can argue that Downs is one of the top three players in this draft, regardless of position. So, his high ranking is warranted.
And we'd urge Dallas, picking at No. 12, to seriously examine a change from that usual plan.
At 6-0, 205 pounds, Downs possesses elite versatility, as demonstrated by his two punt returns for touchdowns. He has superb tackling skills (257 tackles in three seasons) and is a human wrench in the opponents’ passing game.
When targeted, he allowed less than four yards per pass attempt, and had 12 career pass breakups. In addition, he has six interceptions to his credit.
In recognition of his gridiron accomplishments, Downs stacked up the accolades this past season:
· Jim Thorpe Award winner
· Lott Trophy winner
· Unanimous All-American
· Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year
· Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year
· First-Team All-Big Ten
Downs won a national title with the Buckeyes in 2024 after transferring from Alabama. As a true freshman with the Crimson Tide in 2023, Downs posted 107 tackles, two interceptions, four pass breakups and a forced fumble. As a result, Downs was named second-team All-American, SEC Freshman of the Year and was named first-team All-SEC.
The Cowboys pass defense was last in the NFL and allowed 251 yards per game. In addition, they allowed a whopping 35 TD passes due to blown assignments and poor coverage, and eight yards per pass attempt.
A big reason why the Cowboys pass defense was shredded was the lack of pressure on the quarterback in the wake of the Micah Parsons trade to the Packers. Due in part to this defensive let down, defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus was fired.
Dallas' present starters at safety? Donovan Wilson plays in the box and he's a free agent; Malik Hooker has a playmaker background but he's about to turn 30.
Downs would be an immediate upgrade in the secondary, who can step into the starting lineup now and make an impact. The Cowboys are on the clock, and the answer to their pass defense problems might just be waiting in the Green Room on Day 1 of the NFL Draft in the Steel City of Pittsburgh on April 23 - with a Buckeye who can do more than just "hold down the fort.''