Caleb Downs: Cowboys' Draft Steal, Saban's Endorsement

0:00On April 24, Dallas Cowboys just snagged Caleb Downs in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, and Nick Sabin couldn't hold back his love for the kid he coached at Alabama. Downs started as a true freshman beast there in 2023, racking up 107 tackles, then transferred to Ohio State for two years, anchoring their defense on the way to a national title in 2024. Sabin went all in on the ABC broadcast, calling him one of the finest young men in the game, a competitor with top character and instincts to play. Anywhere box, deep, man coverage, you name him. He even dropped the gem about Downs' mama making the best white chili during recruiting. Analysts like Lance Zerlin, back it up, praising his high football IQ, effort in big games, and versatility as a box safety who disrupts near the line while handling zone or man without getting faked out. Cowboys fans, you got a steal who brings juice every snap. Sabin's stamp of approval means he's ready to lock down that secondary right away.