All articles tagged with #caleb downs
The Athletic’s season-preview compiles a single defining question for every NFL team, spanning coaching evolutions, quarterback development, and schematic tweaks across divisions, from the Chiefs’ need for Andy Reid to adapt to two-deep safeties to Caleb Downs’ potential impact for the Cowboys, highlighting how roster and scheme changes could shape the season.
In Oxnard, seven practices into Cowboys training camp, five standouts have stood out: George Pickens has been unguardable and a top Dak Prescott target; Caleb Downs has quickly shown versatility across the defense; Cobie Durant has emerged as a starting-caliber outside corner with multiple PBUs and an INT; Jaishawn Barham, a rookie, has earned first‑team reps and even handled green‑dot duties; and the interior duo of Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark has sparked the most productive exchange on the line. The piece also notes deeper contributors like Julius Wood, Justin Barron, Joe Milton III, T.J. Bass, and Caelen Carson.
Dallas opened training camp in Oxnard with several rookies making early noise: Jaishawn Barham showing physicality and attention to detail, Caleb Downs drawing defensive trust with versatility (green dot), Anthony Smith flashing speed, Josh Butler delivering steady coverage, Jaydon Blue flashing burst, Drew Shelton impressing as a swing tackle, and Rashan Gary energizing the edge, signaling potential immediate roles and a stronger defensive base.
Dallas Cowboys kick off 2026 training camp in Oxnard with pads not yet on, emphasizing technique and conditioning. Early observations note a competitive backup RB scene highlighted by Jaydon Blue’s 45-yard run and Mafah’s early turnover, while Caleb Downs showcases versatility across slot, box and deep-safety looks in the first-team defense. Rashan Gary and Donovan Ezeiruaku provided pressure up front, and Shavon Revel Jr. appears healthy after knee surgery. George Pickens drew crowd energy during a 11-on-11 completion from Dak Prescott, and P.J. Locke tweaked a knee but there’s no long-term concern. The defense is under new coordinator Christian Parker, with Overshown and Winters handling linebacker duties; backup QBs Joe Milton and Sam Howell split reps, and Ryan Flournoy showed potential as the No.3 receiver. Overall, it’s an early, evaluative start to camp with competitive depth and new defensive looks.
Madden NFL 27 reveals the rookie ratings: No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza at 74 overall trails rookies Jeremiyah Love and Caleb Downs, who are tied at 82 to top the rookie ladder. Mendoza is 49th among all rookies and 29th among first-rounders. Other notable rookies include Kenyon Sadiq and Keylan Rutledge at 74, while Ty Simpson sits at 71 as the lowest first-rounder. KC Concepcion Jr. stands out with a 75 overall and four elite traits (speed 91, agility 91, change of direction 91, injury 92). The game releases Aug. 13 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows, and Switch 2, with MVP+ members gaining early access on Aug. 6.
Colts wide receiver Josh Downs is eyeing a potential head-to-head matchup with his younger brother Caleb, who was drafted 11th overall by the Cowboys, when Dallas visits Indianapolis in the 2026 season; the brothers could line up against each other in nickel as Caleb plans, making their on-field meeting a notable highlight once the schedule is released.
Cowboys safety Caleb Downs has moved from No. 18 to No. 13 for OTAs, and he already leads NFL rookie jersey sales. The No. 2 he wore at Ohio State is currently issued to Cobie Durant, who signed with Dallas, so the number could change again before the regular season if the Cowboys reclaim it or Durant’s status changes.
Caleb Downs, the Cowboys' first‑round pick, is reportedly set to wear jersey No. 13 ahead of OTAs, a change from the 18 he wore at rookie minicamp; the No. 13 history in Dallas has included several players and the number could still change before the regular season.
Caleb Downs signed with the Cowboys and appeared at rookie minicamp wearing No. 18, triggering fan backlash since many think he should wear a more Cowboys-appropriate number. Downs wore No. 2 at Ohio State, but No. 2 is currently worn by Cobie Durant, while Markquese Bell has No. 14 and No. 41 is available, leaving potential behind-the-scenes discussions about a number change.
Dallas wrapped its 2026 rookie minicamp with a focus on acclimation and versatility: first-round picks Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence trained in one-on-one sessions with defensive coordinator Christian Parker, Barham got MIKE linebacker reps, Shelton began cross-training along the line, and Moore and Overton prepared for new roles as the Cowboys head toward OTAs on June 1.
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs signed a four-year, $28.9 million fully guaranteed rookie contract with the Dallas Cowboys after being drafted 11th overall, part of a record first-round haul for Ohio State; he’s expected to start at safety this season, potentially alongside Malik Hooker, as Dallas’ trade-up paid off.
Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker lauds Caleb Downs as a natural playmaker with premium instincts who could anchor Dallas’s revamped defense, emphasizing a Cowboys-centered, collaborative scheme drawn from mentors like Vic Fangio as rookies and vets begin OTAs and minicamp.
At rookie minicamp in Frisco, the Cowboys unveiled numbers for their 2026 draft class, with Caleb Downs wearing No. 18 for now while other rookies were assigned jerseys; Downs indicated a possible future number change as Dallas begins integrating the first-round pick.
Dallas signed safety Caleb Downs, the Cowboys’ No. 11 overall pick, along with five other draft selections (Jaishawn Barham, Drew Shelton, Devin Moore, LT Overton, and Anthony Smith). Downs is expected to start as a rookie after Dallas traded up to acquire him; the other first-round pick, edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, has yet to sign his rookie deal.
NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks highlights ten players he views as perfect fits for their teams in the 2026 draft, pairing Caleb Downs with the Cowboys as a defensive quarterback, Olaivavega Ioane with the Ravens for interior toughness, Jacob Rodriguez with the Dolphins as a ball-hawking LB, Kayden McDonald with the Texans to reinforce the interior, D'Angelo Ponds with the Jets for versatility and playmaking, Bud Clark with the Seahawks to boost the defense, Gabe Jacas with the Patriots for edge versatility, Avieon Terrell with the Falcons to join a high-IQ secondary, Jonah Coleman with the Broncos as a crafty return-and-go runner, and Drew Allar with the Steelers to develop under a proven QB tutor.