What happened: The Dallas Cowboys slid up one spot in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, trading a seventh-round pick to the Eagles for the No. 25 overall selection to draft Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Downs, a standout transfer from Alabama, was projected as a top-20 pick. The move addresses a key need in Dallas' secondary.
Why it matters: Cowboys' pass defense ranked 22nd in 2025, allowing 235 yards per game, making Downs' ball skills vital for playoff push. His immediate starter potential boosts Super Bowl. Historically, top-30 safeties like him average 65 tackles as rookies.
By the numbers: Draft: Pick 1.25 (traded 1.26 + 7.240 to PHI). Downs 2025 stats: 92 tackles, 6 INTs, 2 FF (OSU). Cowboys 2025: 9-8 record, No. 4 NFC East seed. No major injury history.
What to watch: Watch Downs' rookie contract signing and OTAs for integration into Micah Parsons-led defense.