Caleb Downs: Cowboys' New Safety, Super Bowl Hope

0:00On April 24th, the Dallas Cowboys pulled off a surprise in the NFL draft, trading up one spot to snaggle Ohio State's safety Caleb Downs at the 11th. Pick. They saw him as a long shot before the draft, but he was right there waiting. This marks the first time they've taken a safety in the first round since 2002, when they grab Roy Williams' eighth overall. Jerry Jones is hyped, calling Downs the quarterback of the defense who can lock down multiple spots. The team envisions him playing safety, nickel, and even corner, just like Hall of Fame star Darren Woodson did back in the 90s. Downs himself sounds ready to ball out anywhere on the field, from the line of scrimmage to deep coverage, building a strong fit with Dallas's scheme. Front office exec Wilma Clay praises him as a multiplier who elevates everyone around him. Looking back, the Cowboys have never lifted the Super Bowl trophy without a Hall of Fame safety anchoring the back end. Like Cliff Harris in the 70s or Woodson during the three-peat in the 90s.

1:02Last season though, their defense leaked 511 points, finishing near the bottom in keystats. With Downs in the mix, Dallas hopes to rebuild that secondary tradition and turn around a unit that desperately needs playmakers to chase another. Ring. That wraps NFL News Today, brought to you with AI. I'm Corey with The Story.