Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs (13) at training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields.
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Dallas Cowboysused a high pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to snag defensive back Caleb Downs with the 11th overall selection.
They expect big things from the former Ohio State Buckeyes star, and he offered a glimpse of what he can do on the field when he made a highlight defensive play during practice on Sunday.
Matched up against Dallas star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, Downs denied Lamb a reception, as seen in his video shared by Todd Archer of ESPN.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 9, 2026
The clip garnered plenty of reactions from Cowboys (and football) fans.
“Dude that recovery is INSANE. And to do it without committing PI too, unreal,” a fan said.
“Everyday he making a f—ing play I see you boy!!!!” a social media user on X shared.
“I don't want to believe. Don't make me believe,” another one commented.
“I was worried about how he would handle WRs from the slot but if he can guard Lamb he can guard anyone,” a different fan said.
“F–k he caught up to that jaunt like his life depended on it. Reese better be like that,” another comment read.
Archer noted that Sunday's practice “was the most physical practice of training camp,” and that the Cowboys' defense had a great day on the field.
Lamb seemed to agree.
“It's fire, man,” Lamb said, via Archer. “I embrace it. It was good to see our defense come out with that type of energy, that type of fire, that type of aggression early on. For us as an offense, it leaves us no choice but to bow down or fight back and get on top. And I know one thing about us, we won't bow down to nobody.”
Downs and the Cowboys' stop unit will look to keep it going, as the team prepares for their first preseason game on Saturday against the Seattle Seahawks.