Caleb Downs' Knee Concerns, Cowboys' Draft Dilemma

0:00The latest scores, headlines, and storylines. Right here on NFL News Today. Subscribe and stay game ready. Ohio State Safety, Caleb Downs is one of the top prospects in this year's NFL draft, but medical checks at the scouting combine flagged some knee. Concerns that could drop him in the order. The Dallas Cowboys, picking 12 overall, need a versatile safety nickel defender for their new scheme, and Downs looks like a perfect match if he slides their way. Reports from an NFC scout point to a partially torn meniscus, which is not too bad, along with a potentially degenerative anterior cruciate ligament. Downs skipped the on-field testing, so this new stated big quiet, but it raises questions about his long-term durability as a high pick. Defensive coordinator Christian Parker wants his nickel players handling receivers, tight ends, and run support near the line, and many see Downs as. Ideal for that role. For the Cowboys, landing him would fill a key gap without breaking the bank, since safety is not a premium

1:04position. Downs will likely get a second opinion to clarify things, and plenty of NFL players have overcome similar knee flags to have solid careers. Still, teens picking late in the first round have to weigh if the risk matches the reward. This draft class lacks depth at the top, with maybe only 12-15 true first round talents, so a slide for Downs is not out of the question. The Cowboys could luck into great value, but they will need to decide if his upside outweighs the health worries. The Daily News Now is powered by our sponsor, Lincoln the Description. What is cooler than cool? A pillow that plays your sound, S-O-L-L-I, solely pillow.com.