Why Cowboys selected Caleb Downs with No. 11 pick in 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Dallas Cowboyshave traded up one spot in the 2026 NFL Draft and are selecting Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.

Downs is one of the most complete and NFL-ready players in the draft. The Alabama transfer tallied 68 tackles and two interceptions in 2025.

The Cowboys decided to move up one pick in order to land Downs. Let's go over why.

Downs doesn't have many weaknesses in his game. He's an elite run defender and is also excellent in pass coverage, allowing just a 53.4 passer rating when targeted in 2025.

The safety position isn't a pressing need for the Cowboys, but Malik Hooker is on the last year of his deal, and Downs is a high-level replacement and upgrade.

The Cowboys' defense needs a game-changer, and Downs is going to be that for Christian Parker's unit. This is a fantastic pick for Dallas.