The Dallas Cowboys drafted Caleb Downs with the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, marking their highest investment in a safety since 2002. Downs joins Malik Hooker, another Ohio State alum, in a revamped secondary aimed at enhancing the team's defense.
Key points
Dallas Cowboys drafted Caleb Downs with the 11th overall pick
Highest investment in a safety since 2002
Malik Hooker also a former Ohio State safety
Hooker has faced injuries throughout his career
Downs is expected to enhance the Cowboys' defense
Ohio StateDallas CowboysIndianapolis Colts
The Dallas Cowboys just made a massive statement by drafting Caleb Downs with the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. This is the highest draft investment the team has made in the safety position since all the way back in 2002 when they drafted Roy Williams. You can feel the excitement people have for adding this game-changing field general to this defense. Downs is a dynamic, explosive playmaker with incredible instincts, and watching him fly across the field is going to be pure entertainment for fans this season.
The Cowboys now have two former Ohio State safeties holding down the secondary. Malik Hooker is an OSU alum himself. In fact, he was also a top 15 pick of the Indianapolis Colts back in 2017, giving the Cowboys a nice little draft pedigree running around in the secondary. Whether itâs punishing ball carriers near the line of scrimmage or playing center field, the team will have a Buckeye spread across the field this upcoming season.
Hooker is the seasoned veteran of this duo, and his journey to this point has had some bumps along the way. Coming out of college, he was an absolute star because of his rare range and incredible ball skills. He was the kind of free safety who could cover from sideline to sideline, making big plays on the ball that made him look like someone youâd want to avoid if possible.
Unfortunately, his upward trajectory was short-lived as his career has had its ups and downs. He showed flashes of that brilliant ballhawking ability right away, but his time in Indianapolis was heavily plagued by some incredibly bad luck with injuries, which kept him off the field quite a bit. Hooker missed games in each of his four seasons with the Colts, including over half the season in two of them.
With the inavailability discount, the Cowboys still saw some potential and signed him as a free agent in 2021, giving him a fresh start in Texas. Since joining Dallas, Hooker has enjoyed some fantastic bounce-back seasons, staying healthy for the most part and giving the team a reliable fixture for this defense. While there have still been occasional quiet stretches or minor hiccups, he has largely served as a steadying, veteran presence in the secondary.
Q&A
What impact will Caleb Downs have on the Dallas Cowboys' defense?
Caleb Downs is expected to be a game-changing playmaker, enhancing the Cowboys' defense with his dynamic skills and instincts.
When was the last time the Cowboys invested heavily in a safety before drafting Caleb Downs?
The last significant investment in a safety by the Cowboys was in 2002 when they drafted Roy Williams.
How has Malik Hooker's career been affected by injuries?
Malik Hooker's career has been marred by injuries, causing him to miss games in each of his four seasons with the Colts, including over half the season in two of those years.
Related Articles
Sports
Iran to play World Cup games in USA as planned insists FIFA president
FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will play its World Cup matches in the United States as planned, despite recent uncertainties due to airstrikes. The Iranian football association was notably absent from the recent FIFA congress in Vancouver.
Sky Sports··1 min read
NBA·Preview
Where to watch Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Game 6 NBA playoffs: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Thursday, April 30
Don't miss Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Game 6 on April 30 at 9:30 p.m. ET!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Detroit Tigers, Game 32: One thing I loved, one thing I didn't
Tigers secure a 5-2 win over the Braves with key plays from Matt Vierling.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Cricket·Recap
IPL 2026: No Prasidh Krishna again as Gujarat Titans opt to bowl against Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Gujarat Titans opt to bowl first against RCB; Prasidh Krishna left out again.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Liverpool Look to Feyenoord for Arne Slotâs Next Assistant Manager
Liverpool is looking at Feyenoord's Arne Slot for the head coach role amid tactical struggles.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Tennis
Badosa confiesa un problema mental: "Necesito parar"
Paula Badosa revela que necesita parar por problemas mentales y se baja de Roma.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
Downs and Hooker complement each other very well. Hooker has the veteran experience and deep range to sit back as the ultimate safety net, while Downs has the youthful explosion to play closer to the line of scrimmage, blow up run plays, and blitz the quarterback. They are a perfect match. While some are ready to toss Hooker aside and slide in free agent Jalen Thompson to the starting safety spot, it might be a little premature to give up on Hooker just yet.
The Cowboys sit in great shape at the safety position thanks to these two former Ohio State stars. With a perfect blend of seasoned wisdom and elite, young talent, the Dallas secondary has transformed from a position of weakness to a group with great promise. Get ready for a fun ride because this defense has the potential to surprise some people.