Caleb Downs Cowboys debut: IDP impact in 2026
By Michael
Caleb Downs Cowboys role looks like a day-one start
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) said on his podcast that Caleb Downs, S, Dallas Cowboys, looks like he can make a significant impact on the Cowboys defense as a rookie. Dallas traded up from No. 12 to No. 11 in the 2026 NFL Draft, sending picks No. 12, 177, and 180 to the Miami Dolphins to take Downs.
Downs signed a 4-year, $28.9 million rookie contract after starting minicamp. He is expected to move straight into the starting lineup.
Why the Cowboys needed him this badly
Dallas had the NFL's worst secondary in 2025, allowing a league-leading 4,276 passing yards. The Cowboys also traded Micah Parsons this offseason and added edge rusher Rashan Gary. Rebuilding the secondary was the clearest need on the roster.
With free-agent signee Jalen Thompson also in the fold, the Cowboys are hoping Downs and Thompson form one of the better safety tandems in the league.
What Downs brings to the defense
Downs earned back-to-back unanimous All-American honors at Ohio State in 2024 and 2025, won the Jim Thorpe Award and Lott Trophy in 2025, and posted a PFF grade above 85.0 in all three college seasons. Last season he recorded 45 solo tackles, two interceptions, five tackles for loss, and one sack across 14 games.
The Cowboys plan to use him heavily in the slot. Todd McShay of The Ringer called Downs "a day-one starting safety and high-impact defender in the NFL," drawing comparisons to Eric Berry and Earl Thomas.
IDP fantasy outlook for Caleb Downs in 2026
For IDP managers, Downs is one of the safest rookie defensive backs to roster right now. He steps into a full-time starting role on a defense that needs every snap from him. His slot usage projects to generate consistent tackle volume alongside interception upside.
In most IDP formats he projects as an every-week starter with a realistic path to finishing as a top defensive back by season's end. Add him in any league that starts defensive backs.