Only one pick makes sense for the Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are armed with two first-round selections for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Given how they fared last season, it would make the most sense to spend both of them to fix the defense.

Notably, that might even include packaging both to move up and into the top 10 to get the difference-maker they need to help defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

Whatever the case, and regardless of how they do it, one thing's for sure: They can't leave Round 1 without Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.

Dallas Cowboys must take Caleb Downs

Not so long ago, before some minor injury concerns, Downs was tabbed as probably the most talented player in this class.

Some teams might be hesitant to take a safety so high because of positional value, but Downs is tailor-made for modern defenses, and a former DB coach like Parker can certainly appreciate what he brings to the table.

He can give the Cowboys what Nick Emmanwori gave the Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks: Aado-it-all safety with elite football IQ and instincts who can be another linebacker against the run and the ultimate center fielder against the pass.

The Ohio State standout is the best player in zone coverage in this class, and that should come in handy for a team that gave up the most passing yards (251.5) and points (30.1) per game last season.

The Cowboys are more than set on offense, and while most fans would rather see them take two players at Nos. 12 and 20, this is a thin class, and sometimes, quality is better than quantity.