Cowboys Meet With Top Safety Prospect Caleb Downs Ahead of NFL Draft

Ohio State star Caleb Downs could slide out of the top 10 picks, making him a potential target for the Dallas Cowboys at No. 12 overall.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:33am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the colors of the Dallas Cowboys.A fractured, geometric illustration captures the dynamic movement and potential of a top NFL draft prospect as the Cowboys weigh their options.Dallas Today

The Dallas Cowboys have met with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft, as the highly touted prospect is now projected to potentially slide out of the top 10 picks. Downs was once considered a lock to be selected in the top 10, but the Cowboys could have a chance to land him with the 12th overall pick if he falls that far.

Why it matters

The Cowboys have invested heavily in their secondary this offseason, but Downs' versatility and ability to play multiple positions in the defensive backfield could make him an ideal fit for their new defensive coordinator Christian Parker's scheme. Downs is considered one of the most talented defensive backs in the draft, and landing him at No. 12 would be a major coup for the Cowboys.

The details

Despite Downs' obvious talent, safeties are not viewed as a premium position in the NFL draft, which has opened the possibility of him sliding out of the top 10 picks. ESPN's Peter Schrager has projected Downs to the Cowboys at No. 12, while there is also chatter that his Ohio State teammate, linebacker Sonny Styles, could be an option for Dallas if Downs is off the board.

  • The Cowboys met with Downs for a 30-visit ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.

The players

Caleb Downs

A star safety from Ohio State who is projected to potentially slide out of the top 10 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Sonny Styles

An Ohio State linebacker who could also be an option for the Cowboys at No. 12 overall if Downs is off the board.

Christian Parker

The new defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, known for his creativity and emphasis on defensive backs.

Peter Schrager

An ESPN reporter who correctly predicted the Cowboys' selection of Tyler Booker in last year's draft and has projected Downs to Dallas at No. 12.

RJ Ochoa

A writer for the Blogging the Boys website who discussed Downs and the Cowboys with Schrager.

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What they’re saying

“No one thought he could possibly slip out of the Top 10. But I look at this draft, I look at the position, and the value in what these teams need. Safety has almost been a luxury for a lot of these teams how they view the draft.”

— Peter Schrager, ESPN Reporter

“Caleb Downs, I look at their new defensive coordinator, and I look at what his specialty is—it's defensive backs—and I am telling you, I know Christian and he is a 34-year-old who is all about creativity, high energy and smarts. Caleb Downs, (Ohio State DC) Matt Patricia told me, when he joins whatever team he joins, he will immediately be the smartest player on that defense and the face of the franchise.”

— Peter Schrager, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The Cowboys will continue to evaluate their options at No. 12 overall, with Downs and Styles both potential targets if they fall to that pick. The team's decision could come down to which player they believe best fits their new defensive coordinator's scheme and vision.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' meeting with Caleb Downs highlights their interest in adding elite defensive talent to their roster, even at a position that is not traditionally viewed as a premium. Downs' versatility and potential to be an immediate impact player could make him an ideal fit for Dallas, especially if he slides out of the top 10 as some experts predict.