When the Dallas Cowboys drafted Tyler Booker in the first round of the 2025 draft, they did so with the expectation he would start right away. When the Cowboys drafted Tyler Guyton the year before, they did so with the expectation he would start right away. Dallas had the same expectations for first rounders Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb and many other who came before them.Based on team history and this prospect's player profile, the Cowboys plan for their top pick in the 2026 NFL draft, Caleb Downs, to be a multi-positional starter on Day 1.
Downs, a safety by trade, is also one of the most proficient nickel covermen in the draft class. Call him a nickel back, a slot corner, or a box player if you must, just don’t call him a traditional safety.His ability to do it all in the secondary could spell trouble for more than just one current player, but rather an entire group.First and foremost, Downs looks to displace the entire field of players competing for the nickel spot. Whether that’s Reddy Steward, Cobie Durant, Caelen Carson or anyone else, almost doesn’t matter at this point because Downs is plug-and-play starter in the nickel."Caleb Downs made more plays in college than anybody in the draft..He's so instinctive and he's a phenomenal person..He is a football junkie and he's a thumper"Coach Saban #PMSLivepic.twitter.com/Uydx5JvF7W— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 22, 2026In base defense, Downs immediately fits into a variety of packages as a traditional safety.
Capable of playing split in a 2-high look or alone in a single-high look, Downs can do it all and is intelligent enough to do it all by Week 1.As a safety, Downs should push everyone not named Jalen Thompson for snaps. Malik Hooker’s veteran presence is important for the team, but Downs puts his long-term status in question. Markquese Bell, who had potential to thrive in Christian Parker’s defense, stands to lose significantly in 2026, as does free-agent addition P.J.
Locke.Downs is ready made and multidimensional. His impact will be felt across the defense and that spells bad news for more than a few defensive backs in 2026. Parker will make it a point to get his best players on the field, so there will be plenty of situations in which three safeties will be on the field together. It’s also possible Bell moves back to a linebacker role since the Cowboys are concerningly thin at linebacker.However it shakes out, Downs will be a massive presence on defense for Dallas in 2026.You can follow Reid on X @ReidDHanson and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys whose jobs are in jeopardy now that Caleb Downs is in town