Caleb Downs is a special athlete. He can stick with the speediest receivers down the field and take down the most physical running backs between the tackles. But that's not why the Dallas Cowboys spent the 11th overall pick in the NFL Draft on him. What makes the Ohio State product truly special is his unmatched understanding of the game of football.
One day into the team's rookie minicamp, that knowledge is already turning heads. Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker came away impressed after the first practice. Per team insider Nick Harris, Parker and Downs spent significant one-on-one time together during the first rookie minicamp practice.
"He's a natural football player. He's one of the first picks in the schoolyard. He's going to have natural versatility. It's a matter of what he can handle mentally and how we can fit everything together," Parker told Harris.
Christian Parker is already buzzing about Caleb Downs at Dallas Cowboys' rookie minicamp
The Cowboys don't often stray from their draft strategy of selecting prospects at premium positions early. They typically focus on offensive and defensive linemen, dipping into the receiver pool when necessary. The fact that Jerry Jones was willing to trade up for a safety in the top half of the first round says everything fans need to know about Downs.
This isn't just any rookie.
The former Buckeye has the physical versatility and the mental acuity to unlock the Cowboys' secondary. He can be deployed all over Parker's defense, terrorizing opposing units.
Parker's glowing review of Downs came with an important nugget. The Dallas defensive coordinator mentioned that the rookie will have "natural versatility." Early on, it seems like the Cowboys plan to use the safety in multiple positions across the defense. He could take snaps at deep safety, nickel, or as a box safety.
Per The Athletic's Jon Machota, Parker couldn't stop raving about his new defensive back. He said, "You can tell his football intellect, the way he directs traffic out there, the way he reads and reacts, his brain is connected with his feet. You’re watching three years of film and there’s not a difference in the tape. He’s constantly making the right decision, constantly making contact with (the ball), constantly in the right spot. Just a smooth, smooth transition, smooth player."
It didn't take long for Downs to make a strong impression in Dallas. If his first minicamp practice is any indication, it could be an electric year for the rookie.
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