Cowboys depth chart projection: How Caleb Downs draft pick impacts Dallas' defense originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Dallas Cowboys knew their defense had to be better in 2026, and they started addressing it with the midseason acquisition of DT Quinnen Williams. On Thursday, the newest piece of the puzzle fell into place: Ohio State S Caleb Downs.
The Cowboys moved up one pick to make sure Downs would be wearing the star on his helmet to start his NFL career, dealing two late-round picks and No. 12 to Miami.
Downs was one of the best defensive players in the country with the Buckeyes, but the devaluing of the safety position made his top-10 status a question. Downs ultimately slid out of the top 10, but the Cowboys believe they have a new cornerstone in their secondary.
Here's an updated look at the Cowboys' defensive depth chart with Downs.
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The Cowboys are planning to deploy a 3-4 defense under DC Christian Parker, but he already said he expects to frequently operate a 4-2-5 defense with a nickel back. That role likely belongs to Downs, with safeties Malik Hooker and Jalen Thompsons still playing significant roles and a linebacker coming off the field.
Downs is likely to see time as both a typical safety and a nickel back, with his size and do-it-all ability giving Parker plenty of ways to work him into the defense. Expect to see Hooker, Thompson and Downs all spend significant time on the field in 2026 as Parker figures out what he has to work with after going from facing the Cowboys twice a year to coordinating Dallas' defense.
Defense had to be the choice for the Cowboys, even with George Pickens' long-term future up in the air. Dallas suffered on the defensive end throughout 2025, wasting a strong season from Dak Prescott, and the secondary was at the heart of those struggles.
While Rueben Bain Jr. could have given the Cowboys a bruising pass-rusher to help replace Micah Parsons, Dallas seems content to roll with veterans Rashan Gary and interior defensive linemen Quinnen Williams as their primary disruptors up front in 2026 and perhaps beyond while Downs gives the secondary a weapon who can help from both a pass defense standpoint and against the run.
The Cowboys likely have more work to do to make their defense a high-performing unit, but they can only build it back one step at a time and chose a safe prospect on Thursday night.