Only 11 picks into the 2026 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys’ Caleb Downs selection was by far the best pick in the draft, trading up to select safety Caleb Downs. At first glance, labeling a safety as the draft’s best pick may seem outlandish. Throughout NFL history, the safety position has steadily declined in value, both in draft capital and in the free agent market. So how could a safety be the best pick in the draft?
Downs is a generational talent. In an era where defenses have been increasingly limited by rule changes, the former Ohio State Buckeye has dominated throughout his college career. He finished his three seasons with 256 tackles and six interceptions, production that only begins to tell the story. Downs’ physicality and speed stand out immediately on film. He has a natural feel for the game, tracking running backs downhill and meeting receivers at the point of the catch.
Once Downs diagnoses a play, there is no hesitation—he reacts with rare decisiveness and aggression. Occasionally, he gambles, trusting his instincts, but possesses the fluidity to recover in coverage and the awareness to disrupt passing lanes, even pressing toward the line of scrimmage when needed. His ability to play both zone and man coverage highlights a level of versatility that makes him a defensive coordinator’s dream.
Downs began his collegiate career under Nick Saban at Alabama, where he quickly established himself as one of the top safeties in the nation. He later transferred to Ohio State, becoming a pivotal piece on a historically dominant defense under coordinator Matt Patricia. The praise from his coaches only reinforces his elite profile. Saban spoke glowingly of his former player, stating:
“He’s a great competitor. He’s got great character. He’s so instinctive as a player. He can play downhill, he can play in the box, he can play the deep field, and he can play man-to-man. This guy is a tremendous, tremendous person and competitor…And I tell you what, there are only a few guys that I love more than this guy as a player on our football team, and he did a great job and improved even more at Ohio State.”
For the Cowboys, Saban’s compliment couldn’t be more reassuring. Not only is Downs an elite player physically, but he is also intelligent. Reports of his football IQ and film study are placed equal to, if not above, what physical talent Downs brings to the table. The praise has gone so far as to call him the smartest player on the defense as soon as he steps onto an NFL field. He is the complete package.
Cowboys’ Caleb Downs Instantly Elevates The Team In The NFC East
When it comes to the draft, there is a debate between picking the position in need and taking the best football player on the board, especially when in the top ten. For weeks, analysts had discussed the potential of Downs going in the top five, some even going as far as comparing him to Ed Reed. Of course, it is too soon to put the gold jacket on the rookie, much less compare him to perhaps the greatest safety of all time, but it does show the level of respect he is getting.
If Troy Polamalu or Sean Taylor were in this year’s draft, would there have been a discussion by the Raiders to take them as the first pick? Absolutely. Is Downs at that level? Only time will tell, but when the opportunity arises to draft what could be a generational talent, you cannot afford to pass it by. No player is a guarantee.
Elite careers have ended in an instant. First-round picks have been busts. It is not about Downs being Reed. It is about taking the best football player on the board, someone who can change a franchise. Downs has everything it takes to not only be successful but also become a legend. He is physical, smart, and has been coached by defensive geniuses his entire collegiate career.
Dallas got a steal when they drafted Downs at number 11. Nine teams passed on him, the Giants passing twice, all missing a chance to pick a player who could change their defense for a decade. Sure, the Raiders needed a quarterback, and the Titans needed a receiver, but opportunities like this are rare. Perhaps the comparisons to the greatest safety of all-time are a little extreme, but if there was even the chance that the next Reed was on the board, that is the player to take.
