The Dallas Cowboys secured Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft after executing a trade with the Miami Dolphins. According to Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the team identified Downs as their primary draft target and aggressively pursued multiple trade scenarios to ensure his acquisition.
How the Cowboys Executed the Draft Day Trade
The Cowboys’ draft strategy centered on four specific prospects deemed to fit the team’s culture, with Downs positioned at the top of that list. Speaking on the Twins Take Podcast, Schottenheimer revealed that the organization initially held a deal in place with the Kansas City Chiefs to move up. That plan collapsed when Kansas City traded up to the No. 6 spot to select Mansoor Delane.
As the draft progressed, the Cowboys monitored Downs’ availability. Despite internal concerns that the New York Giants would draft him at No. 10—following comments from coach Jim Harbaugh regarding the safety’s “generational” talent—the Giants opted for a different selection. Once the pick passed, Dallas finalized a deal with Miami to move from No. 12 to No. 11, preventing other teams from jumping ahead to intercept the pick.
Why Elite Safety Prospects Are Rising in Value
Downs established his pedigree as the SEC Freshman of the Year at Alabama in 2023 before his transfer to Ohio State. His collegiate resume, including two first-team All-American selections, aligns with the "generational" label cited by Schottenheimer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did the Cowboys trade with to draft Caleb Downs?
The Cowboys traded with the Miami Dolphins to move up from the No. 12 spot to the No. 11 spot.
Which team did the Cowboys originally plan to trade with?
The Cowboys had a trade agreement in place with the Kansas City Chiefs, but that deal became void when Kansas City moved up to the No. 6 pick to select Mansoor Delane.
What awards did Caleb Downs win in college?
Downs was named the SEC Freshman of the Year in 2023 and is a two-time first-team All-American. He also earned the Jim Thorpe Award.
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