Andrew Buller-Russ
The Dallas Cowboys spent the offseason reshaping the roster, which featured a lot of changes on the defensive side of the ball, and not so much on offense. Considering the scoring attack ranked seventh in points, and no one allowed more points than the Cowboys, it made sense to focus their attention on defense.
While they’re still waiting to see how the new-look defense responds under first-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker, no one would suggest there isn’t talent on both sides of the ball in Dallas. But who’s the team’s X-factor?
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Caleb Downs Viewed as Cowboys’ X-Factor in 2026
Ever since the Cowboys made Ohio State star safety Caleb Downs the 11th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, he’s been winning over coaches and teammates in Dallas. Expected to play a featured role, starting and moving all over the place in the Cowboys’ defense, Downs could end up competing for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award, making plays all over the field.
Recently, ESPN’s Seth Walder named Downs the Cowboys’ “X-factor” for the 2026 season. If Downs can make a quick transition from starring in college to making an impact in the NFL, then the Cowboys’ defense could take a major leap. Yet if the 21-year-old experiences the typical growing pains often seen in rookies, the defense as a whole could struggle once again, as they’re counting on the first-year pro to play a big role.
“The Cowboys need defensive playmaking to come from somewhere. Perhaps Donovan Ezeiruaku or Malachi Lawrence can deliver pressure from the edge. Maybe Bland can haul in a bunch of interceptions again. But if there’s going to be a long-term, positive change to this defense, it could come from Downs — for whom the Cowboys traded up to select at No. 11. If he can help make the Cowboys simply an average defense, watch out.”
ESPN’s Seth Walder on Caleb Downs
Downs can indeed be a difference-maker in Dallas. There’s a reason the Cowboys traded up to grab him in the first round. Now they’re hoping he can be the leader of their defense for years to come, possibly even for a decade or more.
Who knows? Perhaps Downs’ impact on the back end can help bring out the best in the Cowboys’ fellow playmakers, resurrect DaRon Bland’s ability to snag interceptions at an elite pace, or buy time for the pass rush to get home and sack QBs. If so, he’ll be exactly what the Cowboys have been searching for.
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