The Dallas Cowboys are just three weeks away from the start of 2026 OTAs, and the offseason dust is beginning to settle. While most major roster moves across the NFL are now in the rearview mirror, the Cowboys' lineup looks markedly different from a year ago—especially on defense. That makes now the perfect time to launch our series ranking the top 10 players on the 2026 Cowboys roster. We're kicking things off at number 10 with a name that's generating serious buzz: safety Caleb Downs.

Let's rewind to 2025. After playing a pivotal role in Ohio State's national championship run in 2024, Downs entered his junior season with sky-high expectations—and he delivered in a big way. Week after week, the safety proved to be the defensive anchor for the Buckeyes, routinely matching up against top receivers and erasing explosive plays with a rare combination of instincts and physicality. His football IQ and leadership were the glue of a defense that powered Ohio State to an undefeated regular season.

Downs' dominant performance didn't go unnoticed. He took home the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back, along with the Lott IMPACT Trophy for excellence on and off the field. He was also named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous First-Team All-American. Those accolades reflect a player who was not just good, but elite—and they dramatically boosted his NFL draft stock. Teams already intrigued by his instincts and intelligence saw those traits on full display, solidifying him as a sure-fire first-round pick in April.

For Cowboys fans, Downs represents the kind of versatile, high-IQ defender that can transform a secondary. His ability to impact both the run and pass games, combined with his advanced processing speed, makes him a perfect fit for Dallas's evolving defensive identity. As we count down the top 10 players on the roster, keep an eye on number 10—he's just getting started.