Live 2026 NFL Draft Grades: Cowboys select Ohio State S Caleb Downs
· Yahoo Sports
We fully expected to see the Dallas Cowboys trade up in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. And we expected it to be for an Ohio State defensive player. However, we did not expect that OSU defender to be safety Caleb Downs. Nevertheless, the Cowboys got this pick exactly right.
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Downs is a generational talent at safety. He's got crazy size and measurables but it's the level of natural instinct and athleticism that is why he's destined to be an All-Pro. Whether it's in the box as a run defender, roaming the back end in zone coverage or locked on in man coverage, Downs is going to make plays and give the Dallas defense everything he has.
Downs was our top-rated defensive player for most of the season and much of the offseason but at this point we are splitting hairs about whether Downs is better or worse than Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese but in terms of versatility and a high ceiling, Downs can't be beat here.
Grade: A
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: Live 2026 NFL Draft Grades: Cowboys select Ohio State S Caleb Downs