What to KnowCaleb Downs was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2025.Downs also received the Lott Trophy in 2025, which honors defensive performance and character.Downs won the Jim Thorpe Award in 2025, given to the nation’s top defensive back.
It’s going Downs in Dallas! The Dallas Cowboys traded with the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the NFL draft and selected Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the No. 11 overall pick.
Dallas moved up in the draft order to secure Downs, adding a defensive playmaker early in the first round.
Adding a safety early signals an emphasis on strengthening the secondary with a player viewed as an immediate contributor.
Downs’ selection gives Dallas a defensive piece it can build around, while the decision to move up reflects urgency to secure impact talent at the top of the draft rather than relying on depth in later rounds.
Downs played at Ohio State and becomes the Cowboys’ top selection as the team looks to strengthen its defense.
He helped Ohio State win the national championship in 2024, and the Buckeyes were the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff last year before getting knocked off by Miami at the home of the Cowboys in the quarterfinals.
Downs, considered one of the most polished players in the draft, should be an immediate upgrade for first-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who turned a pair of defensive backs— Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell— into All-Pros with Philadelphia last season.
He will join a group that includes 2023 All-Pro cornerback Daron Bland, who has been plagued by foot injuries the past two years, and Shavon Revel Jr.
He’s a safety by title, but Downs can play multiple positions, specifically the nickel spot.
The NFL draft began Thursday night and continues through the weekend, giving teams additional opportunities to add depth across their rosters.
Dallas entered the draft with multiple picks, providing flexibility to address needs on both sides of the ball.
Malachi Lawrence picked at No. 23 overall
At No. 23, the Cowboys added edge rusher Malachi Lawrence.
Lawrence played at UCF, where he earned first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2025 and was recognized as an honorable mention for Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year. He finished his college career among the program’s top pass rushers, ranking No. 10 on UCF’s all-time sacks list with 20.
Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesKirby Lee-Imagn Images
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UCF Knights defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number 23 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
Lawrence adds another defensive piece for the Dallas Cowboys after being selected 23rd overall. His production at UCF reflects a consistent ability to pressure quarterbacks, giving Dallas another option on the defensive line as it continues to build depth through the draft.
Cowboys pick tracker
Round 1: No. 11- Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Round 1: No. 23 (from Eagles)- Malachi Lawrence
Round 3: No. 92 (from 49ers)- TBD
Round 4: No. 112- TBD
Round 5: No. 152- TBD
Round 5: No. 177 (compensatory)- TBD
Round 5: No. 180 (compensatory)- TBD
Round 7: No. 218 (from Titans)- TBD