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WATCH: Ohio State head coach Ryan Day trolls Nick Saban at NFL draft
Ryan Day jokes about Nick Saban while discussing Caleb Downs on College GameDay.
Yahoo Sports1 min read
NFL
Cowboys NFL Draft 2026: Dallas selects Caleb Downs, safety, from Ohio State at pick 11
TL;DR
The Dallas Cowboys selected safety Caleb Downs from Ohio State with the 11th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after trading up one spot. Downs is expected to play a key role in the Cowboys' new defensive scheme under Christian Parker.
Key points
- Dallas Cowboys selected Caleb Downs with the 11th pick
- Caleb Downs is a safety from Ohio State
- Cowboys traded up one spot to secure Downs
- Downs expected to be key in new defensive scheme
- Dallas has several needs including EDGE and LB
Mentioned in this story
Ohio State
Caleb DownsDallas CowboysNFL Draft
**Cowboys****2026 draft picks:**
- Rd 1 – 12: S Caleb Downs
- Rd 1 – 20:
- Rd 3 – 92:
- Rd 4 – 112:
- Rd 5 – 152:
- Rd 5 – 177:
- Rd 5 – 180:
- Rd 7 – 218:
**Cowboys needs:**
EDGE: The Micah Parsons trade left a huge hole at pass rusher, the Cowboys need an injection of talent. LB: It’s basically or bust at LB. may make a leap, but Dallas needs a starter here. CB: ’ departure and ’s injury issues means the team needs help. The current depth is lackluster. WR: is on a one-year franchise tag. Getting another contender for the future is a solid move. OT: and both have their faults. Adding a decent swing tackle makes sense.
Q&A
Who did the Dallas Cowboys draft in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Dallas Cowboys drafted safety Caleb Downs from Ohio State with the 11th pick.
Why did the Cowboys trade up in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Cowboys traded up one spot to secure Caleb Downs, who they identified as a key player for their defense.
What position does Caleb Downs play for the Cowboys?
Caleb Downs plays as a safety for the Dallas Cowboys.
