The Dallas Cowboys certainly seem to have hit a home run when it comes to their selection of Caleb Downs. The Ohio State product who ranked near or atop every evaluator's draft board comes with a reputation of being a coach on the field, and we're not talking about the "deer-in-headlights, can't-adjust-the-gameplan" type of coaching the Cowboys have employed over the last couple of seasons.

No, Downs is a brainiac who is lauded for not just for his ability to dissect what's happening to him and around him, and not just for his ability to physically respond to what his brain is telling him. Downs is also credited for absorbing just about everything there is to learn about the game of football and playing defense to the highest degree. So much so, Cowboys VP of Player Personnel Will McClay called him a football savant.

Speaking to the DLLS podcast, McClay responded to a question from Clarence Hill about

It hits you right away. Typically, when you are looking at quarterbacks, you're going to explain a play to them and have them call it back and trying to figure out if a quarterback has the ability to call the play, direct everybody, do all those things.

Then you flip it over on the defensive side, and you see a guy that can do it. And then when you talk to [Nick] Saban, and you talk to [Matt] Patricia and the coaches, and they talk about how smart he is, and how quickly he picks things up.

Not only did he talk about Alabama's defense, that he learned 3 years ago. He broke that defense down, he broke down Ohio State's defense, and he talked about our defense

He understands concepts and when you say what type of scheme you're gonna run he understands how the different pieces work and fit together, and it's… it's almost… he's a football savant, because things just work that way in his head.

McClay also spoke about how Downs will be a force multiplier for the Dallas defense in that he raises the level of everyone around him by being able to know the ins and outs of what all positions should be doing on a play. Check out the full podcast below.

Caleb Downs, AlabamaCaleb Downs, AlabamaCaleb Downs, AlabamaOhio State safety Caleb Downs (2) intercepts a pass from Michigan quarterback Davis Warren (not in the photo) during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.Ohio State football safety Caleb Downs makes an interception during the third period during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines Saturday, November 30, 2024 in Ohio Stadium.Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.Oct 4, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) enters the field before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn ImagesOhio State Buckeyes safeties coach Matt Guerrieri yells at defensive back Caleb Downs (2) during warm ups prior to the NCAA football game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) warms up during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) makes ain interception on a pass intended for Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Khalil Dinkins (16) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates after sacking Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) takes the field for warm-ups prior to the NCAA football game against the UCLA Bruins at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 15, 2025.Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesFeb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs (DB34) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn ImagesOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs gets measured during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses with his parents Gary Downs and Tanya Shorter Downs on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images1 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsCaleb Downs, Alabama1 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsCaleb Downs, Alabama2 / 26Cowboys 2026 NFL Draft Day 3 Live Tracker: Pick-By-Pick AnalysisCaleb Downs, Alabama3 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsCaleb Downs, Alabama4 / 26Cowboys Draft Recap: 10 Commandments came roaring back in 2026Ohio State safety Caleb Downs (2) intercepts a pass from Michigan quarterback Davis Warren (not in the photo) during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.5 / 26Top 5 draft classes flooded by teams with multiple first-round picksOhio State football safety Caleb Downs makes an interception during the third period during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines Saturday, November 30, 2024 in Ohio Stadium.6 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.7 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.8 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.9 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOct 4, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) enters the field before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images10 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes safeties coach Matt Guerrieri yells at defensive back Caleb Downs (2) during warm ups prior to the NCAA football game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025.11 / 26Is Caleb Downs the Cowboys best option for the green dot despite rook statusOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) warms up during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.12 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.13 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) makes ain interception on a pass intended for Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Khalil Dinkins (16) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.14 / 26Cowboys Headlines: That was the bored version of Downs? Pickens tag newsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates after sacking Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.15 / 26Newest Cowboys safety Caleb Downs' rookie deal has $17.8M first checkOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.16 / 26Top 5 draft classes flooded by teams with multiple first-round picksOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) takes the field for warm-ups prior to the NCAA football game against the UCLA Bruins at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 15, 2025.17 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsDec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images18 / 26Grading each Cowboys 2026 draft pick based on fit, value, potentialFeb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs (DB34) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images19 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs gets measured during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.20 / 26Caleb Downs 'is a football savant'; Cowboys exec gushes about new starOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.21 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.22 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.23 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses with his parents Gary Downs and Tanya Shorter Downs on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images24 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images25 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images26 / 26Projecting Cowboys' depth chart after 2026 draft, UDFA signingsApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesThis article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: McClay waxes poetic about the mental capacity of Cowboys S Caleb Downs