Cowboys Draft Caleb Downs: A Versatile Safety Poised to Transform Their Defense

The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2024 NFL Draft with low expectations of landing Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. When he remained available at pick No. 11, the Cowboys traded up one spot to secure him—the first time they drafted a safety in the first round since 2002, when they selected Roy Williams at No. 8 overall.

Owner Jerry Jones has high praise for Downs, calling him a player capable of being "a quarterback of the defense."

Cowboys executives envision Downs filling multiple roles, much like Hall of Fame finalist Darren Woodson did in the 1990s. Downs is expected to contribute as a safety, nickelback, and cornerback, providing the versatility the Cowboys' defense desperately needs.

"I think it's just being able to make plays in all facets of the game. Whether that's near the line of scrimmage or in the deep part of the field, I feel like I could do it all and it'll be a great relationship to be able to do that with the Cowboys."

Downs' ability to impact the game in multiple ways aligns with the Cowboys' long-term defensive strategy. The team has never won a Super Bowl without a Hall of Fame-caliber safety on the roster, having relied on Cliff Harris for their 1970s titles and Woodson for their three championships in the 1990s (Woodson was a rookie in 1992).

Will McClay, the Cowboys' vice president of player personnel, described Downs as a "multiplier" who will "make other people better."

The Cowboys' defense struggled mightily in 2023, allowing a franchise-record 511 points and ranking among the NFL's worst in nearly every major defensive category. The addition of Downs is seen as a step toward reversing that trend and bolstering a unit in need of playmakers.