It's the dawn of a new era for the Dallas Cowboys' defense. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker will install a 3-4 defense in Arlington for the first time since 2012, but he will include some new wrinkles and tweaks.
During his introductory press conference, the former Philadelphia Eagles assistant coach made it all about one thing: Flexibility. That's why trading up to land Ohio State star safety Caleb Downs would be a no-brainer move for this organization.
The Cowboys Should Trade up to Get Caleb Downs
“First thing, we’re going to be multiple,” Parker said, per Cowboys insider Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News. “I think that whenever you form a defensive structure, it’s about the players that you have. So our core principles, we’ll be a 3-4 by nature. 4-3 spacing will be appropriate. 4-2-5 in nickel, different front structures, coverages behind it. But I will say being multiple is probably the most important thing about it.”
Downs is the most versatile defensive player entering the league this year. He can hold his own in stacked boxes, hit hard against a linebacker to stop the run, keep up with speedy wide receivers, and be a huge threat in pass coverage, as well.
Of course, it's hard to believe a generational prospect like him will be available by the time they're on the clock at No. 12. The Cleveland Browns were open to trading down last season, so maybe GM Andrew Berry can be talked into doing that again this year. The Browns have the No. 6 pick, and it might not take that much to convince them to trade down a handful of slots.
In this scenario, the Cowboys would have to give up the No. 12 pick, a future second-round selection, and one of their two 2026 fifth-round picks. They'd get a chance to take Downs, as well as a seventh-round pick via the Seattle Seahawks.
Of course, trading up for a safety might not be standard procedure, but Downs isn't an average safety. He gives any defense the best of both worlds, and with a defensive backs specialist like Parker calling the shots, it's hard to think of someone else better than him to develop him and unleash his full potential.
We've already seen how having a versatile safety like Nick Emmanwori can give the defense a Swiss Army Knife to incorporate into all systems, packages, and situations. This is a copycat league, and it would probably be the fastest way to fix this struggling defense.
The Browns aren't just one pick or one draft class away from returning to contention. And even though going from No. 6 to No. 12 is a major drop-off, they might be in a situation where quantity beats quality.