Net results from Cowboys, Dolphins trade for Caleb Downs

TL;DR

The Dallas Cowboys traded up to the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, giving up two fifth-round picks in the process. The Miami Dolphins received the 12th pick and additional players in the trade.

Key points

Dallas Cowboys traded up to 11th overall pick
Selected Caleb Downs from Ohio State
Gave up two fifth-round picks to Miami Dolphins
Dolphins selected Kadyn Proctor with the 12th pick
Downs is considered a franchise-changing prospect

Caleb DownsKadyn ProctorKevin Coleman Jr.Seydou Traore

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Caleb Downs of Ohio State poses for a photo after being selected 11th overall by the Dallas Cowboys during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Dallas Cowboys traded up in the first round to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. It is going to be a long time before reading or hearing that gets old on any level. Downs is a franchise-changing prospect and Cowboys fans are thrilled about what he can offer the team. He was obviously worth trading up for, but it is important to close the loop what with regards to the assets given up to make this reality possible. During the first round the Cowboys traded up with the Miami Dolphins and moved from 12 to 11 overall. It cost the Cowboys two fifth-round picks to do so (177 and 180) and those selections are now known.

Cowboys Received

1.11: Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Dolphins Received

1.12: Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
1. 177: Kevin Coleman Jr., Missouri
1. 180: Seydou Traore, Mississippi State This isn’t a question as to whether or not you would have preferred what Miami did as the Cowboys likely would have done different things with the picks. It just closes the loop as noted. Are you happy with what the Cowboys did?

Q&A

What did the Cowboys give up to trade for Caleb Downs?

The Cowboys traded two fifth-round picks, 177 and 180, to move up from the 12th to the 11th overall pick.

Who did the Dolphins select with the 12th overall pick?

The Dolphins selected Kadyn Proctor from Alabama with the 12th overall pick.

What impact is Caleb Downs expected to have on the Cowboys?

Caleb Downs is viewed as a franchise-changing prospect, and Cowboys fans are excited about his potential contributions to the team.