India, May 4 -- Dallas Cowboys first-round pick Caleb Downs has quickly earned praise from coaches and teammates during the team's 2026 rookie minicamp in Frisco, Texas. The former Ohio State safety arrived in Dallas a week before camp began to study the Cowboys' defensive playbook before taking the field. On the first day, he went through basic drills and positional work, showing a willingness to learn and adapt to the new scheme.

Downs said about his first day in pads, "I felt like it went well. Just learning the system, being able to be fully immersed in it, I feel like it was a good first day and I'm looking forward to doing more."

He also spoke about working one-on-one with defensive coordinator Christian Parker, adding, "I feel li...