Why Caleb Downs is being touted as a game-changer for Dak Prescott by ex-NFL QB
Chase Daniel explains why Caleb Downs can boost Cowboys defense and help Dak Prescott after the 2026 NFL Draft.
Why Caleb Downs is being touted as a game-changer for Dak Prescott by ex-NFL QB originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Dallas Cowboys received high praise from ESPN analyst Chase Daniel following their 2026 NFL Draft, particularly for their selection of Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No.
11 overall. Daniel has played 14 seasons in the NFL across six teams including the Saints , Chiefs and Bears , and his opinion surely carries weight. During a recent ESPN NFL Live conversation with Booger McFarland, the former NFL quarterback gave the Cowboys' draft an A-plus grade, calling Downs himself worth the top rating and a game-changer for Dak Prescott.
Despite finishing with a disappointing 7-9-1 record last season, the Cowboys actually had elite quarterback play from Prescott, who threw for 4,552 yards with 30 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions. Bleacher Report ranked Prescott fifth among all NFL quarterbacks and noted he played the best of any quarterback on a losing team. Prescott was the primary reason Dallas managed to win seven games despite fielding one of the league's worst defenses.
No matter how well he played, the defense kept letting games slip away. That's what makes Downs such a game-changer for Prescott specifically. For the first time in years, Dallas addressed their biggest weakness with premium talent giving their franchise quarterback the defensive support he needed.