Caleb Downs to Cowboys, Fans React to Trade to Get B/R's Top Safety After 2026 NFL Draft Slide

Ohio State safety Caleb Downs was selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday night.

The Cowboys initially held the No. 12 overall pick before trading up to No. 11 in a swap with the Miami Dolphins, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Dallas also sent pick No. 177 and pick No. 180 to the Dolphins.

Fans and pundits reacted to the addition of Downs.

Downs was ranked as the No. 1 safety as well as the No. 1 overall player in the draft class on the latest big board from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department.

B/R NFL Scout Daniel Harms brought up Downs playing underneath Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, who coached in the NFL from 2004 through 2023, in his scouting report.

"Caleb Downs is the single best prospect for the 2026 draft cycle," Harms wrote. "With his experience in Matt Patricia's defense, he's going to hit the ground running for whatever NFL team drafts him."

While positional value may have factored into Downs falling to the No. 11 overall choice, expectations will still be high for him as he prepares to enter his rookie season.

An NFC general manager told NFL insider Jordan Schultz that "every team that passes on Caleb Downs will be making a mistake."

Downs wrapped up a productive 2025 campaign with Ohio State, receiving Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year recognition and finishing No. 9 in Heisman Trophy voting.

He recorded 68 tackles, five tackles for loss, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and one sack in 14 games last season. He operated as a key starter on a Buckeyes defense that ranked No. 1 in the country by allowing a mere 9.3 points per game.

As the Cowboys looks to build upon a 7-9-1 record in 2025, their secondary should receive a boost following the selection of Downs.