Cowboys linked to ‘No. 1 player’ in surprise draft trade shake-up

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Cowboys linked to ‘No. 1 player’ in surprise draft trade shake-up

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Cowboys linked to ‘No. 1 player in surprise trade draft shakeup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as your preferred source by clicking here.

With the NFL Draft 80 days away, the Dallas Cowboys are already linked to one of the best safeties in college football. USA Today’s Cowboys Wire projects Ohio State star Caleb Downs as a potential first-round target for new defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s revamping of the secondary.

Parker, who was previously an NFL secondary coach before being promoted to defensive coordinator, now leads a Cowboys unit that has struggled against the pass. With reinforcements expected, the Cowboys will likely look for backcourt support, making Ohio State Buckeye Caleb Downs a solid choice.

“Many draftniks have Downs as the No. 1 player on their board, except he plays a position that isn’t as valued as others in the NFL. It’s crucial to bring this level of defender into the new scheme because he can become the centerpiece of the new defense. Parker emphasizes the intelligence in his players and Downs has that in spades, along with the toughness and physical ability to put those intelligences to good use.”

— Cowboy yarn

Downs joined the Buckeyes after spending time at Alabama. Following Nick Saban’s retirement, he decided to transfer to the Big Ten school. He is widely considered America’s best defensive player for 2025. Downs ranked third on the team in tackles, with a total of 82. He also made significant contributions on special teams, averaging over 16 yards per punt return and scoring a 79-yard punt return touchdown against No. 5 Indiana. It was Ohio State’s first punt return touchdown in a decade. While he was expected to be one of the Heisman favorites, he finished in the top ten.