Caleb Downs entered his first NFL training camp with enormous expectations after the Dallas Cowboys selected him with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Widely regarded as one of the most NFL-ready defensive prospects in recent years, the former Ohio State star arrived in Dallas after winning the Jim Thorpe Award, the Lott Trophy, earning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors and helping the Buckeyes capture a national championship in 2025.
The Cowboys drafted Downs, believing he could become a cornerstone of their secondary for years to come and the early signs have been encouraging. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer and defensive coordinator Christian Parker have praised Downs’ football IQ and ability to absorb the playbook, with Schottenheimer highlighting how quickly he processes information (h/t Calvin Watkins of Dallas Morning News).
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The team’s confidence in him became even more evident during Thursday’s practice. Schottenheimer revealed that Downs is one of four defenders wearing the green-dot helmet during training camp, joining DeMarvion Overshown, Shemar James and Curtis Robinson.
The green dot designates the player who receives defensive play calls from the sideline and communicates them to teammates on the field (h/t Clarence Hill of DLLS Sports).
It’s a responsibility that is typically reserved for experienced veterans because one missed call or communication error can lead to major defensive breakdowns. The decision speaks volumes about how highly the Cowboys already regard Downs despite him never playing an NFL snap.
Overshown is still expected to serve as the primary defensive signal-caller entering the season, but giving Downs green-dot responsibilities this early could mean the franchise believes that he can eventually quarterback the defense.
The Cowboys will continue building toward the regular season over the coming weeks before opening the 2026 campaign on the road against the New York Giants on Sept. 13. If training camp is any indication, Downs could play a significant role from the moment he makes his NFL debut.
