Schottenheimer reveals Cowboys had a first-round trade plan ready for Caleb Downs

The Dallas Cowboys nearly pulled off a top-ten move to draft Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer says the contingency was not an afterthought. Speaking recently on The Twins Take Podcast, Schottenheimer described how the Cowboys had a first-round trade lined up with the Kansas City Chiefs to move up to ninth overall if Downs was still available.

Schottenheimer’s comments underscore how the Downs process was handled internally. According to the podcast discussion reported by Yahoo Sports, Dallas believed Downs fit its defensive needs strongly enough that it planned for the possibility that other teams would jump ahead in the same draft area. The approach was also shaped by how quickly teams were making decisions in the top part of the first round.

One key fork in the road came when the Chiefs used their trade-up to select cornerback Mansoor Delane before Dallas could execute its plan. With Downs continuing to fall, the Cowboys then watched for the New York Giants as well, with the reported concern that New York would take Downs after deciding on other players earlier in the run. Dallas, per the account, had to manage the emotional and strategic uncertainty that comes when a specific prospect keeps slipping.

Rather than forcing the issue in the ninth spot, the Cowboys waited and then acted when the timing allowed. Yahoo Sports reports Schottenheimer said the Cowboys traded up with the Miami Dolphins at pick 11 to ensure Downs would not be taken immediately after the trade window opened. The goal, as described, was to stop any further “steal” risk once Downs got to Dallas’ immediate reach.

That trade ultimately became the headline moment of the Cowboys’ draft. reported that Dallas moved up to select Downs with the No. 11 overall pick by dealing Nos. 12, 177, and 180 to Miami. also added later draft-day context, including Dallas owner Jerry Jones’ comments that the team did not want to lose Downs after seeing the possibility of a move in the future.

From Dallas’ perspective, the Downs acquisition is part of a broader defensive reset in 2026. The Cowboys’ official site framed the draft additions as a means of reworking the defense, and outside coverage characterized Dallas’ first-round move as an effort to secure a high-impact defender rather than simply take best available at its original position.

Going forward, what matters is how quickly Downs can translate his college profile into Dallas’ defensive scheme and role. The most immediate test will be training camp installation and the way the Cowboys use him in coverage and in the “attack” parts of the field. If Schottenheimer’s trade-plan narrative is any indication, Dallas is treating Downs as a centerpiece piece, not a depth insurance policy. The question for the next chapter is whether the preseason expectations match what the new defense looks like in practice and early-season games.