Caleb Downs news
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The gist
Cowboys rookie safety Caleb Downs faces the Giants, who passed on him twice in April's draft.
Downs could end Dallas' Defensive Rookie of the Year drought dating to 1990.
Background
Caleb Downs was a star safety at Ohio State before entering April's NFL Draft, where the New York Giants passed on him twice in the first round. The Dallas Cowboys traded up to take him with the 11th overall pick, and he has impressed the team with his professionalism since arriving. He is now set to make his NFL debut against the very team that passed on him, on Sunday Night Football in Week 1.
How it unfolded
- Apr 2026The New York Giants pass on Caleb Downs twice in the first round of the NFL Draft, having already selected his Ohio State teammate Arvell Reese.
- Apr 2026The Dallas Cowboys trade up and draft Downs with the 11th overall pick after a small draft fall.
- Apr 2026On the final day of the draft, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer says on NFL Network that Downs told him, 'I'm making mental notes' about the Giants.
- Jul 29, 2026Downs attends Cowboys training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California.
- Aug 15, 2026Downs enters the field before the Cowboys' game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
- Sep 9, 2026Downs is predicted to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
- Sep 10, 2026Reports note Downs could end a Cowboys Defensive Rookie of the Year drought dating to 1990, and that the opener against New York offers extra motivation.
- Sep 13, 2026Reese's Giants host Downs' Cowboys on Sunday Night Football in Week 1.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said he was nervous after nine picks went by with Downs still on the board, and that the team was surprised to get him.
- Analysts
- An AFC executive said Downs will play in the middle of the defense, likely producing high tackle numbers and ball production, and could be seen as a catalyst if he helps turn around Dallas' defense.
- Public
- A New York Giants insider revealed the surprising reason why the team passed on taking Downs in Round 1, ahead of facing him on Sunday Night.
Still unverified
A New York Giants insider's reported reason for why the team passed on Caleb Downs in the draft is unconfirmed. Downs' excited, possibly motivated grunt on draft night is also unverified.