Cowboys Trade Up for Safety Caleb Downs

0:00On April 24th, the Dallas Cowboys just nailed their first pick in the 2026 NFL draft by trading up for Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs. They sent their 12th overall pick, plus 2-5th rounders to the Miami Dolphins to grab a Merley, jumping just one spot to lock it down before. Anyone else could. Downs fell a bit because safeties do not carry the same premium as other spots, even though he is one of the top talents available across the board. Here's a head pass for that reason, but Dallas saw the steal and pounced without hesitation. Fans and analysts are calling this a perfect fit for the Cowboys defense. With high football smarts, sharp instincts and leadership chops, he will mesh right away with coordinator Christian Parker. Plus, his versatility covers the box, free safety, and he even nickel, filling gaps left by guys like PJ Lock, Jalen Thompson, and Malik Hooker. Starting ahead, Dallas still has 7 picks left, including another first rounder at number 20 from Green Bay, and selections through round 7.

1:02They are already buzzing as one of the drafts early winners. The draft rolls on through the weekend round 1 Raptors Day night, rounds 2-3 hit Friday at 6 p.m. Central, and days 3-wraps Saturday morning. Keep an eye, Cowboys nation, this could shape up even bigger.