Malik Nabers' reaction to Caleb Downs going to Dallas says everything

TL;DR

The Dallas Cowboys traded two fifth-round picks to Miami to select Caleb Downs at No. 11 overall. Malik Nabers, a rival wide receiver, expressed his preference for having Downs on his team rather than facing him in the NFC East.

Key points

Dallas Cowboys traded two fifth-round picks to Miami
Caleb Downs was selected at No. 11 overall
Malik Nabers prefers having Downs on his team
Downs is seen as a cornerstone player for the Cowboys
Rivals acknowledge the significance of the pick

Dallas CowboysMiami DolphinsCaleb DownsMalik Nabers

Malik Nabers' reaction to Caleb Downs going to Dallas says everything originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Dallas Cowboys traded up Thursday night, sending two fifth-round picks to Miami to land Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 11 overall.

It cost a little, but based on what one rival said hours later, the NFL may already agree they got their guy.

Even rivals can't pretend the Cowboys didn't just find their cornerstone

Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers faced Downs in college and was asked about the pick on Thursday. Nabers said he would rather have Downs on his team than face him again in the NFC East.

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“I’d rather get him than play against him… I gotta play against this thing again… bro he’s good. He’s very good, he’s VERY good.”

Downs arrives as the top safety in this draft class. He won the Jim Thorpe Award in 2025, made two-time All-American, and helped his program win a national championship in 2024.

Q&A

What did Malik Nabers say about Caleb Downs joining the Dallas Cowboys?

Malik Nabers stated he would prefer to have Caleb Downs on his team instead of facing him in the NFC East.

What did the Dallas Cowboys give up to draft Caleb Downs?

The Dallas Cowboys traded two fifth-round picks to the Miami Dolphins to secure Caleb Downs at No. 11 overall.

Why is Caleb Downs considered a significant pick for the Cowboys?

Caleb Downs is viewed as a cornerstone player for the Cowboys, with rivals acknowledging the impact of his selection.