Cowboys use rookie safety Caleb Downs in unexpected special teams role
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 12:55 PM
Last updated Jun 12, 2026
The Dallas Cowboys are integrating rookie safety Caleb Downs into their special teams during OTAs. Downs, drafted 11th overall after a trade, is catching punts and serving as a personal protector for punter Bryan Anger. This approach follows the team's disappointing 2025 season, where their defense struggled significantly. Downs, a two-time All-American from Ohio State, has a strong background in return duties, having previously scored two touchdowns as a returner in college. His versatility may prove beneficial in strengthening Dallas' defense and special teams.
- •Caleb Downs drafted 11th overall by the Cowboys in 2026.
- •Dallas defense ranked last in points allowed per game in 2025.
- •Downs previously scored two punt return touchdowns in college.
- •Cowboys aim to improve defensive performance with Downs' versatility.
- •Special teams integration happening during OTAs in June 2026.
- 12:55 PMYahoo Sports — Jerry Jones, Cowboys are using their rookie safety in the most unexpected way and it could pay off
"The Dallas Cowboys went 7-9-1 in 2025, missed the playoffs for the second straight year, and watched their defense crater to historically embarrassing levels. Dallas answered in a big way. Jerry Jones traded up from No. 12 to No. 11, sending two fifth-round picks to land the top defensive back in the class, former Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- College Sports•Jun 12, 2026, 2:11 PM2028 in-state offensive lineman to visit FSU
- NCAAF•Jun 12, 2026, 2:10 PMFlorida continues to ascend in ESPN's latest 2027 recruiting rankings
- College Sports•Jun 12, 2026, 2:09 PMCrawford Chronicles: Burkman Edition
- College Sports•Jun 12, 2026, 2:05 PMTrojans have potential rising star on defense: RJ Sermons
- NCAAF•Jun 12, 2026, 2:01 PMWhere are the Oklahoma Sooners in ESPN's future power rankings?
- College Sports•Jun 12, 2026, 1:50 PMAthlon Sports predicts a 12th place Big Ten Conference finish for UCLA
