All articles tagged with #caleb downs
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.
Dallas Cowboys rookies, seven draft picks, 11 undrafted free agents and several tryout players reported to The Star in Frisco to start rookie minicamp. Some returning to The Star after multiple visits (Caleb Downs, Jaishawn Barham) while others are seeing the facility for the first time. Day one included medical checks, meetings and equipment measurements, with Friday and Saturday set for first practices and media sessions as the team builds toward OTAs starting June 1.
The Cowboys’ 2026 draft centers on shoring up the defense, headlined by Caleb Downs at pick 11, viewed as a potential game-changing safety, and complemented by edge and line prospects like Malachi Lawrence, Jaishawn Barham, Drew Shelton, Devin Moore, LT Overton, and Anthony Smith. Despite a decline in 2024–25 and trading away Micah Parsons, analysts praise the haul, awarding an A grade and noting the team finished 5th in a GPA-based round-up of 32 team drafts.
The Giants’ 2026 draft leaned into Harbaugh’s grinders-first philosophy, selecting Reese at No. 5 as a disruptive, tone-setting defender and road-paver for the line while passing on Caleb Downs, who admitted he bored when facing easier competition; Downs ended up with the Cowboys at No. 11. The piece argues this engine-first approach looks vindicated, since the NFL rewards relentless effort and focus every snap, making the Giants’ pick appear smarter in hindsight.
Caleb Downs says he sometimes got bored in Ohio State's secondary when opponents avoided his area, but expects more action and a chance to prove himself at the NFL level after Dallas drafted him 11th overall, as the Cowboys look to bolster a leaky defense.
The Chiefs’ draft strategy included a back-up plan to trade up for Mansoor Delane, but if that didn’t happen they would have chosen between Caleb Downs and Jordyn Tyson and possibly moved up for San Diego State CB Chris Johnson, trading a third- or fourth-round pick. Jermod McCoy’s knee concerns affected the board, but KC still landed four defensive picks (Delane, Woods, Thomas, Canady) with Delane expected to start, signaling a stronger 2026 defense.