After his NFL Draft selection, Caleb Downs received words of wisdom from a former highly-touted Cowboys first-rounder.
FRISCO, Texas - Micah Parsons was once that guy on defense for the Dallas Cowboys.
And yes, while the All-Pro defensive end now plays elsewhere, don't let that distract you from how Parsons used the notoriety of playing for "America's Team" for four seasons to build his personal brand, which he carries to his new home in Green Bay.
Parsons is a top content creator and podcaster for Bleacher Report during his time off the field. Like last season before he was traded, he hosted a reaction livestream during the NFL Draft.
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When the Cowboys traded up to draft Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the No. 11 overall pick, Parsons had the opportunity to speak to the new face of the franchise's defensive unit ... that was, after New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers offered a slumping reaction to his new division rival on the outside.
"Being a first-round pick is a pressure in its own. But that pressure is a privilege," Parsons said to Downs in advice given during his post-selection interview.
"Because you're wearing the star, there's even higher expectations, higher media, higher outside noise. Eliminate it," Parsons added. "Remember this, they're not drafting you to be a player; they're drafting you to be the player that you already are, to come into that system and dominate."
In his two seasons at Ohio State, that's exactly what Downs did. The All-American did not allow a single touchdown catch for the Buckeyes, cementing his status as the clear No. 1 safety prospect in the class.
"You're here to start, be the guy. You are the guy," Parsons added. "Like I said earlier in the draft: wish upon a star, you land on it. So, good luck, brother."
Dallas has already done a ton of work on the secondary this offseason by making free-agency moves to acquire Jalen Thompson, PJ Locke, and Cobie Durant. The defensive line was also addressed with the No. 23 overall pick on Thursday in UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence.
But the defining pillar of this draft is the Cowboys' new building block in the defensive backfield.
Dallas has landed its new star in Caleb Downs.
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