Downs has been matched up on George Pickens, CeeDee Lamb, Puka Nacua, and Chris Olave this offseason, and he knows how beneficial that is.
Dallas Cowboys rookie Caleb Downs was the one player many were excited to see in camp, as the first-round pick has, in a sense, been seen as a savior of the defense under Christian Parker.
With Brian Schottenheimer stating that Downs doesn't make the same mistake twice, the rookie has, per the coach's words, exceeded expectations.
We all had grand ones for him, and for Caleb to exceed them, well, that's a bit special.
But what has been most beneficial to Downs is the competition he's faced this offseason.
CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens have had daily battles with Downs. Some they've won; others they haven't. The rookie has also faced Puka Nacua with some success, while Chris Olave, in the joint practice, made some catches.
But Downs' confidence in himself never wavered; after all, this is what practice is for. To find out where you need to get better at and then improve.
And for Downs, going up against the elite of the NFL daily is exactly where his level of confidence comes from.
"Yeah, that's where confidence actually comes from," Downs said. "Just being in the situations, doing it actually at the level that you're going to have to do in the game. I feel like that's a big thing. Going even against the Rams, going against Puka [Nacua] for a couple reps, it's all just trying to get me to where I need to be my best."
Downs managed a handful of snaps against the Seattle Seahawks in a 17-7 win, and the ball never found its way to him, so he didn't have much to do.
And in last weekend's win at Arizona? The coaching staff kept him in mothballs - a sign of respect for his value.
So ...
It has been a productive and impressive camp from the rookie and in truth, we aren't the least bit surprised. Now, the true test will come when the regular season rolls around.
But I'd imagine Downs' confidence will be high that he can produce against quality starters.
Why? Because's he's been going against the league's best all offseason.
