Caleb Downs’ Draft Stock Soars After Stellar Ohio State Career; Cowboys May Need to Trade Up

Madison, WI — While Ohio State safety Caleb Downs patrolled the secondary at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday night, his every reaction was being watched by more than just the Wisconsin Badgers. Downs, the two-time All-American and reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, has become the hottest name on the 2026 NFL Draft board, and the Dallas Cowboys are discovering they may have to pay a premium if they hope to bring the star defensive back to AT&T Stadium.

ESPN insider Peter Schrager told The Pat McAfee Show that Downs is now viewed as a lock to be selected inside the top dozen picks. “Caleb Downs, I had him going 12 to the Cowboys,” Schrager said. “I’ve been told by numerous teams, there is no chance in bloody hell that Caleb Downs will be around at 12 overall.”

The revelation is a gut-check for Dallas, which owns selections at No. 12 and No. 20. Front-office executives had hoped to land an immediate impact defender without sacrificing additional draft capital, but the growing consensus around the league is that Downs will not escape the top ten. If the Cowboys remain steadfast in their pursuit, they will almost certainly need to package picks and move up, even if only a spot or two.

Downs’ résumé explains the urgency. After beginning his collegiate career under Nick Saban at Alabama, he transferred to Ohio State and helped the Buckeyes capture a National Championship. Over the past three seasons he has amassed 257 total tackles (164 solo), 1.5 sacks, 12 pass breakups, six interceptions and two punt-return touchdowns. The production has transformed him from a standout Big Ten safety into a potential franchise-altering defender.

Dallas has also been linked to Downs’ teammate, linebacker Sonny Styles, should the club decide to leap into the top five. Yet it is Downs who has emerged as the fan favorite and the scheme-fit chess piece new defensive coordinator packages would revolve around.

For now, Cowboys brass must weigh the cost of mortgaging future assets against the possibility of watching their dream target come off the board early. As Downs flashed range and instincts under the lights at Camp Randall, the message to Dallas’ war room was clear: secure a higher pick, or prepare for a new name atop the Cowboys’ draft card.