EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFRISCO, Texas -- Thanks to the 74th draft day trade of the Jerry Jones' era, the Dallas Cowboys' selected Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs in the first round.The Cowboys moved up one spot, to No. 11 overall, in a trade with the Miami Dolphins, giving up the 12th overall pick and two fifth-round selections, Nos. 177 and 180, in order to select a player that immediately fills a role on their defense.With the No. 12 pick, the Dolphins selected Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor.Downs started every game he played in college (44), first at Alabama and then the last two years at Ohio State. He was credited with 256 tackles, 16 tackles for loss 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, 16 pass deflections and six interceptions.The Cowboys had to sweat out the selection as a number of defensive players went off the board, like Mansoor Delane (Kansas City), Sonny Styles (Washington) at Nos. 6 and 7 but were aided by three straight offensive players taken.To make sure they got Downs, one of their 12 players that had a first-round grade on their draft board, the Cowboys were willing to part with two Day 3 selections.Asked at the recent NFL annual meeting what the Cowboys' biggest need was, head coach Brian Schottenheimer said nickel player. Downs can come in immediately and handle that role. In free agency, the Cowboys signed safeties Jalen Thompson and P.J. Lock as well as cornerback Cobie Durant.Downs was named the 2025 winner of the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back, and he is a two-time unanimous All-American. In his two seasons with the Buckeyes, he did not allow a touchdown as a primary defender to go with four interceptions and nine pass breakups.He is the highest defensive back selected by the Cowboys since 2012 when they moved up from No. 14 to No. 6 overall to take cornerback Morris Claiborne.And Downs might not be the only help for the defense on Friday. The Cowboys also own the 20th pick, thanks to their trade last year of Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. The Cowboys have a need for linebacker and edge help, but there is a possibility they could look to trade back to acquire more selections, especially after giving up two of their three fifth-round picks.This is the third time in the last five years the Cowboys have made a move in the first round. In 2021, they moved down in a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles and took Parsons at No. 12 overall. In 2024, they moved down in a deal with the Detroit Lions and selected tckle Tyler Guyton at No. 29 overall.Downs is the first Ohio State player drafted in the first round by the Cowboys since running back Ezekiel Elliott in 2016.
