Joel Klatt names dream Cowboys pick who could change everything in Dallas

The Dallas Cowboys failed to make the playoffs this year, despite having a path late in the season. One of the main issues for the Cowboys missing out on the playoffs was the lackluster performance from their defense.

Yes, they traded away star pass rusher Micah Parsons, but the squad struggled badly. That resulted in the Cowboys firing defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and replacing him with Christian Parker, the former defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator for the rival Philadelphia Eagles.

This offseason, it's no secret that Dallas must prioritize fixing its defense. One way it can do so is through the draft, considering it doesn't have much space to make a run in free agency. Luckily, there are plenty of top defensive prospects that could be available when they are on the clock with the No. 12 pick.

FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt unveiled his latest mock draft on The Joel Klatt Show. For the Cowboys, Klatt has them taking "the safest pick in the draft" by selecting Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.

"He is an NFL All-Pro waiting in the wings. He is the smartest defender that I've ever covered in college football," said Klatt. "This guy can do just about everything. We called him the Swiss Army knife. They built the defense around him. He understands leverage.

And like I said, he cares deeply about the way he plays, not only but also the schematics around him. He udnerstands those schematics, he's fast to the football, recognizes everything very quick. He's the best and most cerebral defensive player in college football that I've every covered, and I think Dallas takes Caleb Downs right here. I think it would be their best pick in a long, long time."

Joel Klatt mock draft has the Dallas Cowboys taking Caleb Downs in Round 1

Downs has long been considered to be one of the top overall prospects in the 2026 draft class, and has been linked quite frequently to the Cowboys. He is one of the top defenders in college football, as evidenced by his time at Ohio State.

The former Buckeye has a lengthy resume, as he is a two-time Unanimous All-American, a two-time Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year Award winner, and a 2024 National Champion. This past season, Downs added more hardware to his trophy case in 2025, including a Lott IMPACT Trophy for defensive player for their personal character and athletic abilities, and a Jim Thorpe Award for the nation's top defensive back.

This past season, Downs recorded 68 combined tackles (45 solo, 23 assisted), five tackles for loss, two interceptions, two passes defended, and one sack. In his two years at Ohio State, Downs posted 150 combined tackles (94 solo, 56 assisted), 12.5 tackles for loss, eight passes defended, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles.

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Even though Downs might be one of the best prospects in the draft class, Klatt mentions that there is a belief that a safety shouldn't be drafted too high in the first round. In that case, a team like the Cowboys could benefit if they do slip down to the 12th pick.

Not to mention, Dallas has a big need at safety, with Donovan Wilson hitting free agency. It also doesn't hurt that they can add Downs while also having the 20th overall pick, thanks to the Green Bay Packers for the Parsons trade. For those curious, Klatt had the Cowboys using that selection on Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk.

The NFL Draft isn't until April 23, and prospects still have to go through the NFL Scouting Combine, private team workouts, and interview process. A lot can change through a draft cycle, and it's entirely likely that Downs could increase his draft stock and fall out of the Cowboys' range.

But Klatt hit the nail square on the head: Downs would change everything for Dallas.