Every NFL team has been busy this offseason, but there are few who do so while grabbing the kind of headlines that Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys do. Of course, the national popularity of the Cowboys (aka America’s Team) has a great deal to do with this. That being said, Jones himself sure does like to chase stories and media attention.
Over the course of this spring/summer, Jones and the rest of Dallas’ front office has been hard at work rebuilding their disappointing defense. In addition to new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, the Cowboys used the 11th overall pick on safety Caleb Downs, who many expect to be a star (pun not intended) in the NFL.
Caleb Downs predicted to lead the Dallas Cowboys in three defensive categoriesAug 28, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs (13) poses for a photo after the game between the Cowboys and the Saints at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Downs, a two-time All-American in college, had 45 tackles, 1.0 sacks, and two interceptions last season. He finished ninth in Heisman Trophy voting in large part due to his sticky coverage on opposing wide receivers and his ability to wreck plays in the backfield.
In a recent article in which he made a bold prediction of a player on each NFL team, CBS Sports analyst Douglas Clawson predicted that not only will Downs be named an All-Pro as a rookie, but also that he will lead the Cowboys in tackles, sacks, and interceptions:
“Prediction: Caleb Downs All-Pro season, leads team in tackles, sacks and interceptions
“The Cowboys first-round pick Caleb Downs will lead the team in tackles, sacks and interceptions while doing his best Kyle Hamilton (and Nick Emmanwori) impersonation, splitting his time between slot corner, box safety and high safety this year. The last player to lead a team in all 3 categories was Joey Porter Sr. for the 2002 Steelers.”
This is quite the prediction given the fact that Downs’ 45 tackles in 2025 were the fewest of collegiate career. Additionally, he had just 1.5 career sacks during his time at Ohio State.
Of course, Parker’s new defensive scheme in Dallas could give Downs the chance at making that little piece of NFL history. Still, one has to seriously question how effective the Cowboys defense would be if their rookie safety was their leader in sacks.
When Joey Porter Sr. led the Pittsburgh Steelers in all three categories, he was a right outside linebacker and in his fourth NFL season. This prediction for Downs is, indeed, bold, but also probably unrealistic.
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