Picked by Cowboys
The Cowboys selected Downs in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 11th overall.
The Cowboys moved up from the 12th pick to take Downs from what was previously Miami's draft slot. Downs (6-feet, 206 pounds) is a blue-chip prospect who might have gone even higher if not for vague long-term concerns over his meniscus health, so there are basically no critics of Downs as a safety. Downs dominated at both Ohio State and Alabama, and drafting Downs might be giving Jerry Jones flashbacks of drafting Roy Williams out of Oklahoma, which was once a point of pride for the Cowboys. Downs will be a three-down player for Dallas right away.
More Dallas Cowboys Fantasy Football News
Dak Prescott
Managing sore knee
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said Tuesday that Prescott will be limited at mandatory minicamp due to knee soreness, Tommy Yarrish of the Cowboys' official site reports.
George Pickens
Reps managed at minicamp
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said Tuesday that Pickens won't take part in team drills at mandatory minicamp, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.
George Pickens
Reports for start of minicamp
Pickens was present for his physical Monday prior to the Cowboys' mandatory minicamp, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.
George Pickens
Expected back for minicamp
Pickens hasn't been present for voluntary OTAs, but he remains in communication with the Cowboys and is expected to show up for mandatory minicamp June 16-18, Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.
Malik Davis
Appears to be in lead for RB2 job
At this stage, Davis appears to be the frontrunner for the Cowboys' No. 2 running back job, Tommy Yarrish of the team's official site reports.
Jaydon Blue
In mix for backfield role
Blue is competing with Malik Davis and Phil Mafah for No. 2 running back reps behind starter Javonte Williams at OTAs, Todd Archer of ESPN reports.
George Pickens
Signs franchise tag
Pickens has officially signed his franchise tag with the Cowboys, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Inks one-year deal with Dallas
The Cowboys signed Valdes-Scantling to a one-year contract Monday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Javonte Williams
Backfield untouched by NFL Draft
The Cowboys did not add to the running back position in the 2026 NFL Draft, leaving Williams (shoulder) positioned to reprise a bell-cow role, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.
Anthony Smith
Links up with Cowboys
The Cowboys selected Smith in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 218th overall.