The Dallas Cowboys certainly delivered on the hype during the first night of the 2026 NFL Draft. Dallas landed one of the draft’s best players, trading up to grab Caleb Downs at 11th overall. One former Cowboys star gave Downs some sage advice after the young rookie officially landed with Dallas in the first round.
Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons spoke with Downs shortly after he was drafted. He passed on some of his wisdom to the new Cowboys rookie.
“Being a first-round pick is a pressure of its own, but that pressure is a privilege,” Parson said on Thursday, via BleacherReport. “Because you’re a starter there’s even higher expectations, higher media, higher outside noise. Eliminate it.”
That is easy for Parsons to say, as he dominated right away during his rookie season. Parsons logged 84 total tackles with 13 sacks, three passes defensed, and three forced fumbles in 2021.
If Downs’ college career is any indication, he should make an impact right away in Dallas. He was an incredible safety in each of his three season in college, split between Alabama and Ohio State.
Parsons also tried to instill some confidence in Downs before his rookie season.
“Remember this: they are not drafting you to be a player, they are drafting you to be the player who you already are,” Parsons added. “So come into that system and dominate… you’re here to start and be the guy. You are the guy.”
Downs should play a crucial role for the Cowboys on defense, just like Parsons once did.
It will be fascinating to see how the Cowboys approach Day 2 of the draft after adding Downs in the first round.
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