2026 NFL All-Rookie Team projections: 25 impact newcomers on offense, defense and special teams | Latest NFL News, Analysis & Updates
DRAFTED: Round 1, No. 11 overall
Dallas’ defense hit rock bottom last season, allowing the most points in franchise history. So, the Cowboys pilfered hot coaching candidate Christian Parker from the rival Eagles and gave their new defensive coordinator an influx of talent via free agency, trade and the draft. Downs, who is poised to play the Cooper DeJean role, might be the best fit of all.
At Parker’s introductory press conference back in February, two months before Dallas drafted Downs, the DC was asked about the importance of the nickel position in his scheme. His answer was instructive.
“Very important. Yeah, very important,” Parker stressed. “That guy, you know, he’s a corner sometimes, he’s a safety sometimes, he’s a ‘backer sometimes. He’s a defensive end when he’s blitzing. You want to have a guy who has natural instincts and ability to feel the game and play football. He’s usually a guy who, if you were playing football on a Saturday afternoon in the neighborhood, he’s your first-round draft pick. Just because he feels the game naturally.”
All of that screams Caleb Downs. This is a perfect pairing.
