The Dallas Cowboys made a bold move in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, trading up one spot to No. 11 overall to select former Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.
It didn’t take long for that decision to resonate across the league, with analysts quickly labeling it one of the strongest picks of the night. For a team looking to reestablish its defensive identity, this selection checked every possible box.
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In a recent article by Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski, he grades every pick from the first round of the draft. And for America's Team taking the former Buckeye, he gives it an eye-popping A++.
And a survey of NFL media experts results in much the same - glowing grades for a great prospect.
Downs entered the draft widely viewed as one of the top overall prospects. What separates him isn’t just athleticism, but his rare football IQ and instincts. He consistently diagnoses plays before they unfold, putting himself in position to make an impact whether he’s defending the pass, supporting the run, or disguising coverage.
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And that is something that the ailing Cowboys' defense could absolutely use right now in order to get back to the level of play that they were a few seasons ago.
Dallas was dead last in the NFL this past season in terms of the passing yards they allowed. ... an embarrassment for a team that once had one of the most formidable defenses in the league.
Another factor boosting the grade is the cost to acquire him. Dallas only parted with two fifth-round picks to move up and secure a player many believed wouldn’t last that long. In terms of draft value, that’s a minimal investment for a potential franchise cornerstone. Smart, aggressive moves like this are often what separate good drafts from great ones.
From a roster-building perspective, Downs aligns with the Cowboys’ offseason direction. The team has emphasized adding intelligence and versatility on defense, and he embodies both. His communication skills and leadership traits also suggest he could quickly become a central voice in the locker room, despite being just a rookie.
Ultimately, this pick wasn’t just about filling a need—it was about landing one of the best players available and maximizing value at the same time. The A++ grade underscores just how successful that approach was. If Downs develops as expected, the Cowboys may have found a defensive cornerstone who can lead the unit for years to come.