Dallas Cowboys secure Caleb Downs in top 2026 NFL Draft selection

The Dallas Cowboys’ acquisition of safety Caleb Downs has been ranked as the premier selection of the 2026 NFL Draft following a comprehensive review.

Evaluators analysed all 257 prospects selected over the three-day event to determine the top 100 acquisitions across the league.

The final rankings heavily factored in predraft value, scheme fit, addressed roster needs and the draft capital exchanged in trades.

A significant 40% of the top-rated moves came from Day 3 selections, highlighting the exceptional value found by franchises in the later rounds.

Cowboys secure defensive cornerstone

Downs was taken with the 11th overall pick in the first round but was widely regarded by scouts as a top-three draft talent.

The three-time All-American is expected to become an immediate playmaker within new defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s revitalised system.

With his elite football intelligence and culture-setting abilities, the national champion is projected to develop into an All-Pro contributor during his rookie contract.

Raiders and Chiefs make aggressive moves

The Las Vegas Raiders secured what many consider the biggest steal of the weekend by drafting Jermod McCoy in the fourth round.

The highly rated cornerback originally fell to the 101st overall pick due to ongoing medical concerns surrounding a January 2025 anterior cruciate ligament tear.

However, the defensive back proved his fitness and explosive speed with a blistering 4.38-second 40-yard dash at his pre-draft workout.

Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs completed a decisive trade up from the ninth spot to select Mansoor Delane at number six overall.

It marked a rare top-10 selection for the reigning dynasty, who aggressively pursued the only available defensive back possessing a consensus first-round grade.