The Cowboys have a host of candidates, but ESPN has settled on one player with huge expectations on his shoulders.
There is so much hope and excitement surrounding the Dallas Cowboys as we edge closer to training camp, and the defensive overhaul is a big reason why.
Christian Parker takes over from Matt Eberflus, and he has a nearly completely new group of players to work with.
Caleb Downs is the centerpiece of the defense, along with Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, DeMarvion Overshown and Rashan Gary.
That is the core group, along with possibly DaRon Bland and Dee Winters, who will be tasked with leading this defense to become competent in the regular season.
But when looking at Dallas' roster overall, who could be the "X-Factor" for Brian Schottenheimer?
There are several candidates, with Overshown, George Pickens, and even KaVontae Turpin, all of whom have that explosive nature to their game.
But ESPN's Seth Walder went in a different direction and has landed on Downs to be that guy for Dallas.
"The Cowboys need defensive playmaking to come from somewhere," Walder wrote. "Perhaps Donovan Ezeiruaku or Malachi Lawrence can deliver pressure from the edge. Maybe Bland can haul in a bunch of interceptions again.
"But if there's going to be a long-term, positive change to this defense, it could come from Downs -- for whom the Cowboys traded up to select at No. 11. If he can help make the Cowboys simply an average defense, watch out."
That is a sound choice.
Downs has all the tools needed to become a key component in Parker's system, and many think it won't be too long before he is a leader of the unit as well.
But are we putting too much pressure on Caleb's shoulders in Year 1? Yes, he's a first-round pick, but the Cowboys' defense isn't that easily fixed.
Downs is expected to come in, settle things down on the back end, and help limit the large chunk plays and communication breakdowns that plagued the Cowboys last season.
But as an X-Factor?
If Downs can be the player Dallas thinks he can be right out of the gate, there is every chance he transforms this defense. Now, exactly what that looks like is unknown, so maybe come back after training camp so we have a month or two of work to look at.
However, right now, it appears every is buying Downs stock. And it looks like a smart move.
