The Dallas Cowboys saw the best-case scenario take place during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Ohio State safety Caleb Downs didn't get drafted within the first 10 picks. The Cowboys swooped in, negotiated a trade with the Miami Dolphins for the No. 11 pick and used it on Downs to secure an instant difference maker for their defense.
Downs was linked to multiple teams, including two Cowboys rivals in the New York Giants and Washington Commanders. Instead of drafting Downs, the Giants selected Downs' Ohio State teammate Arvell Reese and Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa, while the Commanders drafted Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles.
During an interview on the NFL Network during the final day of the NFL Draft, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer was asked by host Rich Eisen if Downs was motivated by the teams that passed on him. Schottenheimer said Downs told him "I'm making mental notes."
“He is maybe the most versatile player in this draft”🧩@dallascowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer on Caleb Downs pic.twitter.com/iiEdXpT1e9
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 25, 2026
"You have Sonny Styles going to Washington. You have Arvell Reese going to the Giants. Caleb actually mentioned that [Friday] on the visit, like 'I'm making mental notes.' So we're looking forward to those matchups," said Schottenheimer.
Caleb Downs motivated to Dallas Cowboys' rivals wrong for not drafting him
And just like that, you can circle four games on the 2026 calendar — two games against the Giants and two games against the Commanders.
The buzz heading into the draft was that the Giants or Commanders could feasibly select Downs with their first-round picks.
But Reese falling to No. 5 really changed the landscape of the first round. The Jets passed on Reese in favor of Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey, while the Arizona Cardinals drafted Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love third, and the Tennessee Titans selected Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate. So the Giants could not pass up on Reese's talent and took him fifth overall.
That then allowed Styles to fall to the Commanders at the No. 7 spot, who head coach Dan Quinn was a huge fan of. But then, with the Giants up again with the No. 10 pick after the Dexter Lawrence trade, they opted to take Mauigoa over Downs. Thus, allowing Downs to fall to the Cowboys.
Downs may not play a position of value, but he was considered one of the top players in this year's draft. The Cowboys desperately needed to add talent to their defense, especially to allow new coordinator Christian Parker to build them into a top unit in the NFL. Bringing in Downs to man the secondary certainly helps with that.
Downs was always going to be one of the best players on whichever team drafted him. What makes matters even better is that he sound extremely motivated to prove all of the teams that passed on him wrong. Luckily two of those teams play in the same division as the Cowboys, which could very well help them reach the playoffs if Downs makes plays against the Giants and Commanders.
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