Cowboys Trade Up for Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs

0:00On April 24th, the Dallas Cowboys just made a slick move in the NFL draft, trading up one spot to snaggle high-o-state safety Caleb Downs at the 11th. Overall pick. They dealt their 12th pick plus two-fifth round selections to the Miami Dolphins to jump ahead and lock him in. Dallas had their eyes on Downs from the jump, loving his versatility as a safety who can line up anywhere in the secondary. With defensive coordinator Christian Parker calling the shots, this guy's high football IQ, run support, and coverage skills make him the perfect, chest piece for their scheme. Cowboys fans were hyped early with all the offensive talent flying off the board, but nerves hit when teams like the Washington commanders grabbed a linebacker. Then the New York Giants passed on Downs, sparking that quick call to Miami for the trade. The draft board failed just right. No big run on top defenders early, even after Kansas City jumped ahead for a corner. Dallas tried sniffing around higher, but didn't need to burn premium picks.

1:01They got their guy without overpaying. Now Parker's got his star in the fold, and with the 20th pick still waiting, Dallas lifts prime to build out that defense even more on day one. Solid opening play for the boys.