Cowboys scout natural leader at safety position

The Dallas Cowboys will enter the draft with an improved safety group thanks to free agent signings Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke, who join a former veteran free agent signing, Malik Hooker. Collectively, this threesome provides a safe floor for the position group, but that doesn’t mean the team won’t take a shot at one of the top safeties coming out of college this year, and nothing would be splashier than the draft’s top safety prize.

SS, Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Height: 6’0” | Weight: 206 pounds | Speed: 4.45 forty time

Background

Downs arrived on the college scene like a veteran from his very first snap. As a true freshman at Alabama, he did something no other freshman in the storied history of that program had ever done by leading the team in total tackles with 107. After proving he could handle the SEC spotlight, he transitioned to Ohio State, where he continued his reign of defensive terror. Over two years with the Buckeyes, he became a perennial All-American and swept the major defensive back awards. He finished his collegiate career with 256 tackles and a reputation for being the most prepared player on the field. His journey from Tuscaloosa to Columbus was essentially a three-year clinic in how the safety position is supposed to be played.

Strengths

The first thing you notice about Downs is his absolute refusal to miss a tackle. He approaches ball carriers with precision. His fundamentals are textbook, rarely lunging or losing his balance, and he packs a surprising amount of pop for a player of his stature. He plays a disciplined brand of football that prevents big plays, acting as the ultimate safety net for his defense. If a running back manages to break into the secondary, Downs is usually there to abruptly inform them that their journey has reached its scheduled conclusion.

Beyond the physical toughness, his mental processing is where he truly separates himself from the pack. He earned the nickname of a coach on the field because his route diagnosis skills are so sharp that he practically starts running the receiver’s route for them. His communication skills ensure the entire secondary is aligned, often pointing out shifts and motions before the offense is set. He reacts to the ball with zero hesitation, showing an elite burst that allows him to close windows that quarterbacks think are open. He is always prepared and rarely makes a mental mistake.

Weaknesses

If there is a knock on him, it is that he can sometimes be a little too disciplined. He’s not a risk-taker, and that shows in his production. He is not a high-volume interception artist who will jump every route for a highlight-reel pick. Instead, he often chooses the safe play to ensure a completion goes for minimal yardage rather than gambling for the turnover. Scouts might want to see him take a few more calculated risks to flip the field, as his conservative nature can occasionally lead to a quiet stat sheet in the takeaway department. He is the reliable sedan of safeties.

The Fit

Downs is a tailor-made addition for the vision Christian Parker has for this secondary. Parker prioritizes safeties who can thrive in pattern-match systems where split-second decisions are the difference between a stop and a touchdown. Downs possesses the elite processing speed required to handle complex coverage rotations. His ability to drop into the box or play a deep half fits the versatile profile Parker craves. He aligns perfectly with the Cowboys’ desire for defenders who play with high effort and even higher intelligence, providing a stabilizing force that allows the cornerbacks to play more aggressively.

The Final Word

Currently projected as a top 10 pick, the Cowboys would be extremely fortunate if he slid all the way to 12. Should they be so lucky, drafting him would pay dividends immediately. They would instantly get a new leader on defense, someone who would put a stop to communication breakdowns and keep the defense synchronized. If the Cowboys want a player who combines a professional pedigree with a championship mindset, this is the pick. He is not just a safety. He is a long-term insurance policy for the heart of the defense.