Cowboys Move Up for Caleb Downs

What They're Saying

Shane Hallam, DS film guru: “Since I began analyzing the draft in 2004, Downs ranks among the three best safeties I have ever scouted, joining Sean Taylor and Eric Berry. He can play deep, line up at nickel CB, or work in the box against the run.”

2026 Fantasy Football Impact

Expect Downs to start right away, as he did across two high-level college stops. Downs has the capacity to provide numbers across categories, as evidenced by his 16 career tackles for loss, 12 passes defensed, and 6 INTs. The big question will be his alignment specifics.

If Downs plays too much in deep coverage vs. time “in the box” (closer to the line of scrimmage) or in the slot, that would make it more difficult for him to post consistent fantasy production. If his new coaches want to leverage his versatility, however, Downs’ fantasy outlook would benefit from more box and/or slot chances.

He profiles as a DB3 initially with the potential to climb beyond that.

Dynasty Impact

Downs obviously carries plenty of long-term intrigue as well. He looks like one of the safest bets in this class to start immediately and indefinitely, while also profiling as one of the safest bets at his position in at least recent memory.

That said, Downs plays a fairly low-value position and is no lock for perennial high-level scoring. He also doesn’t hold a significant lead on classmates Dillon Thieneman or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in expected production.

So Downs is fine to consider in your IDP rookie drafts. Just make sure you’re not overpaying for the name value. Shane and I discussed that point on our recent podcast covering the top IDP rookies.