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Cowboys Trade Up, Draft No. 11 Safety Caleb Downs

4/27/2026

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Summary

Caleb Downs Drafted

The Dallas Cowboys traded up to select safety Caleb Downs from Ohio State with the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Downs, 21, was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year after posting 68 tackles, five tackles for loss, two interceptions and two forced fumbles.
Matt Miller named Downs his favorite pick.

Summary

Jones Picks Lineman

Coach Brian Schottenheimer praised Jaishawn Barham’s starts and his ability to play tackle and guard.
Will McClay said a long athletic corner can handle press, off-man and zone coverages, missed no games and earned a passing medical grade.
Owner Jerry Jones said the Cowboys could not afford Osa and chose a cheaper interior-line player.
Special-teams veteran Anthony Smith said he can stretch the field and add depth.

History

Historical Context

Since the NFL imposed its first hard salary cap of $34.6 million in the 1994 season, teams have been forced to cut veteran contracts to stay under the limit. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones applied that model in 1994 and, decades later, again trimmed high-paid players to meet the cap, reflecting the league-wide shift toward cost-controlled rosters.

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Caleb Downs Drafted

The Dallas Cowboys traded up to select safety Caleb Downs from Ohio State with the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Downs, 21, was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year after posting 68 tackles, five tackles for loss, two interceptions and two forced fumbles.
Matt Miller named Downs his favorite pick.

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