Cowboys Trade Up for Top Safety Caleb Downs

0:00It's April 24th. I'm Corey with The Story. This is NFL News Today, driven by AI and built for football fans. The Dallas Cowboys just made waves in the 2026 NFL Draft, trading of one spot to the 11th overall pick to grab Ohio State Safety. Caleb Downs. They gave up two-fifth round picks for the move, snagging a top prospect who many thought wouldn't slide that far. Down stands out not just for his speed, but his sharp football smarts and instincts that let him read plays early. He shines in past defense, run support, and mixing up coverages, making him a perfect fit for what Dallas needs. Analysts are loving this pick, handing out top grades like A-plus and even A-plus-plus from spots like Bleacher Report. It's seen as one of the draft's smartest selections, especially for a team rebuilding its defense. Last season, the Cowboys ranked dead last and the lead for passing yards allowed a far cry from their old dominant days. Downs could help flip that script with his versatility and leadership even as a rookie.

1:03This trade looks like a steal in draft value terms, aligning right with Dallas's push for smarter, tougher defenders. Expect him to make an instant impact and steady that backfield.