Somehow, some way, the Dallas Cowboys ended up with arguably the best player in the NFL Draft, moving up to the No.11 pick in a trade with the Miami Dolphins to select Ohio State do-it-all defensive back Caleb Down at No. 12 overall.
Cowboys fans could not have scripted a better outcome, which is crazy to say, as it looked extremely bleak after the Kansas City Chiefs traded up to No. 6 for LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles went right after that to Washington.
The next couple of picks fell in Dallas' favor, setting the stage for Jerry Jones and company to move up one spot to grab Downs.
The Dallas Cowboys take Caleb Downs with No. 12 pick in 2026 NFL Draft.
No, Cowboys fans, you aren't dreaming.
The Cowboys managed to keep the No. 20 overall pick, too, with ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reporting that they only gave up two fifth-round picks to jump one spot. Just when you thought this outcome couldn't get better.
This is a franchise-changing pick. Downs was the best player on the field at both Alabama and Ohio State. He projects as Dallas' starting nickel cornerback, but he's comfortable playing anywhere in the secondary. He's the ultimate chess piece for new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who champions positional versatility.
The Cowboys could wrap it up right now and call this draft an A+ if they wanted. It is almost unfathomable that they ended up with Downs.
Go crazy, Cowboy Nation. We deserve this.
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