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When the Dallas Cowboys drafted Caleb Downs with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2026 draft, they knew they were getting a chess piece for Christian Parker’s defense. Downs is listed as a safety, so he has the physicality to play near the line of scrimmage. He’s also got the coverage ability to line up in the slot as the nickel cornerback.
That versatility has been on display in Cowboys OTAs as Downs has been lining up at multiple positions; not only on defense, but also on special teams, where the rookie has gotten some looks as a punt returner.
It shouldn’t be a surprise that Downs has the skills to return punts, scoring two collegiate touchdowns, one each at Alabama and Ohio State. For outsiders though, it's fair to wonder whether it’s wise for the Cowboys to put one of their most important defensive players in harm’s way on punt returns.
The Cowboys do have one of the best returners in the NFL in KaVontae Turpin, who is a two-time All-Pro with one punt return for a touchdown in his career. But last year his effectiveness took a hit, averaging a career low of 5.5 yards per punt return.
Dallas needs a backup option in case Turpin isn’t available and last year's reserve, Jalen Moreno-Cropper, is currently playing in the UFL.
Downs could be one of the best candidates on the roster. Working him in as an option and possibly something that should happen in an emergency makes sense, but Downs doesn’t need to be returning punts regularly.
The team does have a history of using secondary players to return punts, but they were mostly CBs. Deion Sanders was the most successful, returning four punts for scores while with the Cowboys, still a franchise record.
However, Sanders was always a return man, and one of the most athletic players the league has ever seen. Downs only returned 10 punts during his three years of college, and none last season.
Allowing Downs to return punts is a risk. If an injury happens on a return, the Cowboys would be kicking themselves for having him in that position. The team is putting a lot on Downs’ defensive plate, Him being unable to line up for his primary role because of a special teams injury would be detrimental to the entire team.
You can chat with or follow Ben on twitter @BenTalksCowboys and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Weighing the risk of Cowboys having Caleb Downs returning punts in '26
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That versatility has been on display in Cowboys OTAs as Downs has been lining up at multiple positions; not only on defense, but also on special teams, where the rookie has gotten some looks as a punt returner.
It shouldn’t be a surprise that Downs has the skills to return punts, scoring two collegiate touchdowns, one each at Alabama and Ohio State. For outsiders though, it's fair to wonder whether it’s wise for the Cowboys to put one of their most important defensive players in harm’s way on punt returns.
The Cowboys do have one of the best returners in the NFL in KaVontae Turpin, who is a two-time All-Pro with one punt return for a touchdown in his career. But last year his effectiveness took a hit, averaging a career low of 5.5 yards per punt return.
Dallas needs a backup option in case Turpin isn’t available and last year's reserve, Jalen Moreno-Cropper, is currently playing in the UFL.
Downs could be one of the best candidates on the roster. Working him in as an option and possibly something that should happen in an emergency makes sense, but Downs doesn’t need to be returning punts regularly.
The team does have a history of using secondary players to return punts, but they were mostly CBs. Deion Sanders was the most successful, returning four punts for scores while with the Cowboys, still a franchise record.
However, Sanders was always a return man, and one of the most athletic players the league has ever seen. Downs only returned 10 punts during his three years of college, and none last season.
Allowing Downs to return punts is a risk. If an injury happens on a return, the Cowboys would be kicking themselves for having him in that position. The team is putting a lot on Downs’ defensive plate, Him being unable to line up for his primary role because of a special teams injury would be detrimental to the entire team.
You can chat with or follow Ben on twitter @BenTalksCowboys and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Weighing the risk of Cowboys having Caleb Downs returning punts in '26
Continue reading...
