Caleb Downs Joins Cowboys, Boosts Secondary

0:00On April 24, Dallas Cowboys scooped up Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs with the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. His four-year rookie contract totals 27 million, $178,728, averaging $6 million, $127,182 per year, including a $16,611,800 signing bonus. Downs kicked off college at Alabama in 2023, starting every game as a freshman and earning SEC freshmen of the year honors. He transferred to Ohio State the next year, contributing to their national championship run with strong tackling numbers. Over his buck-eye seasons, he piled up tackles, tackles for loss, interceptions, and pass breakups, landing Big Ten defensive back of the year. Multiple All-American nods, and finalist spots for top defensive awards. Fans and scouts see Downs as a high-motor playmaker who thrives near the line, bringing energy and run-supporting coverage, though he shows some, hesitation on deeper balls.

1:04Coming from a top five high school recruiting class in Georgia, he's got the pedigree. Cowboys secondary just got a whole lot tougher. Keep an eye on this 21-year-old turning heads from day one.