The Dallas Cowboys would love nothing more than to land a premier playmaker on defense in the 2026 NFL Draft, and despite the possibility that he could come off the board before they pick at No. 12 overall, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is seemingly at the top of many hypothetical big boards.
As amazing as it would be for Downs to fall into Dallas' laps at No. 12, ESPN NFL insider Peter Schrager was here to rain on Dallas' parade in his latest appearance on Pat McAfee's show.
Schrager said, in no uncertain terms, that there is "no chance in hell" that Downs will be available when the Cowboys pick at No. 12 overall. If Jerry Jones and Will McClay want him that badly, Dallas may need to sacrifice some picks to move up in the order for him.
This future may not be ideal for an already thin Cowboys roster, but Downs is too talented a safety prospect to slip as far as Dallas fans want him to.
"I've been told by numerous teams that there's no chance in hell that Caleb Downs will be around at twelve overall..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 14, 2026
He's likely going before twelve" ~ @PSchrags #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/wftOSKzQB0
Peter Schrager says the Dallas Cowboys won't get to pick Caleb Downs at No. 12 overall
Schrager’s troubling intel comes less than a week after his first mock draft had Downs falling to Dallas at No. 12. The shift in his tone suggests he’s heard new information.
The Cowboys have been mentioned as a team that is ready and willing to move up in the order, and Jordan Schultz is reporting that the player they are eyeing could be someone the rival New York Giants have some interest in. Downs, or teammate Sonny Styles, match up as players who fit the bill.
The Cowboys are in a very tough spot at No. 12. Either Downs or LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane would be instant starters on this defense, but it seems unlikely that either of those players will be available when Dallas makes their pick.
Tennessee's Jermod McCoy could be a high-upside option, but he hasn't played in over a year due to injuries, and it seems he's not on the Cowboys' radar despite having him in town for a 30 visit.
If the planets somehow align and Dallas ends up getting to select Downs, he would be an immediate upgrade over their current safety room and someone who could immediately challenge for a Pro Bowl during his rookie season. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker would be doing cartwheels if Downs were there.
Dallas' secondary is likely going to get a major shot in the arm thanks to one of many talented prospects, but Downs remains the dream. If they want him as badly as it seems, Jerry Jones may need to pay quite a pretty penny to acquire him with a franchise-defining trade.
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