Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs is the best defensive player in the 2026 NFL draft pool, but he'll likely be selected lower than he deserves to, based on talent alone. More important than draft position, infinitely, is the landing spot.
FOX Sports' Joel Klatt acknowledged the first part of that statement, predicting Downs to fall to the No. 12 pick. Klatt revealed a landing spot that would be a perfect fit for Downs in the NFL: the Dallas Cowboys.
"The Cowboys were a disaster on defense; if only they could've had one of the league's best pass rushers. Oh well, they have to live with that mistake. But they can address their defensive needs by getting the player who I feel is the safest pick waiting to happen. Caleb Downs is an All-Pro waiting in the wings. He's the smartest defender I've ever covered in college football. He can do everything. We called him the Swiss Army Knife because of that. He is incredible over the middle of the field. He can rush the passer. He's excellent in the run fit. He's tremendous in the slot," Klatt said.
"Downs should get picked higher than this, but the positional value might hurt him a bit."
Cowboys a uniquely strong fit for Caleb Downs
Buckeye fans should hope this situation unfolds for Downs. While discussing landing spots for mock drafts is often futile too far ahead of the draft, before draft positioning changes, workouts, and meetings declare what teams and prospects are gelling, Dallas is a uniquely strong fit for Downs.
Former Philadelphia Eagles defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Christian Parker is taking over as the Cowboys' new defensive coordinator. That means Dallas was already going to focus on improving coverage, but Downs could see his ascension expedited in the new regime if he could quickly earn Parker's trust.
Downs is a perfect disruptor of the short game, and he projects to be a big nickel in the pros. The Cowboys could use someone who can effectively stick to tight ends after being burned by the position throughout the 2025 season.
Downs could be that guy in the DFW. Frankly, he unquestionably should be if he's available at the No. 12 pick.