Cowboys 2026 draft: Top first-round safeties in the draft

"Downs' superpower is that he can play multiple roles without subbing. He's a rare no-weakness safety who plays like a defensive coordinator's remote control. Has elite eyes and takes great angles as a tackler who arrives under control and finishes consistently. He can live as a true post safety, play down in the slot, and trigger like an extra linebacker without losing coverage discipline. In coverage, he reads route concepts early, closes throwing windows, and has real ball skills when he's in-phase."

"There aren't many true holes and his weaknesses are more about style and role. Because he's so aggressive and asked to do so much, he can occasionally arrive a hair hot in pursuit and leave a cutback lane if his angle is off. He's also not built like a box-only thumper. When offenses force him into repeated collision work against bigger bodies, the wear and tear element shows up more than it would for a pure box strong safety."

"Downs is the top safety in this year's class and a legitimate top-10 overall prospect. He's a rare safety prospect who checks every box at a blue-chip level. He has the production, versatility, and awards, all while being trusted to run the defense like an on-field coordinator. Which ever team draft s Downs has someone who can be the post defender, slot matchup, and extra run support in the box without coming off the field."

Downs offers rare versatility as a no-weakness safety who can function as a true post safety, play down in the slot, and trigger like an extra linebacker without subbing. He possesses elite eyes, takes controlled tackling angles, and finishes consistently. In coverage he reads route concepts early, closes throwing windows, and shows real ball skills when in-phase. Downs can occasionally over-pursue due to his aggressive role, which can open cutback lanes, and he can show increased wear when asked to sustain repeated collisions against bigger bodies. McNeil-Warren is a downhill hybrid safety with linebacker intent, fast trigger, violent finishes, and strong production: 207 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, eight forced fumbles, 13 pass breakups, and five interceptions.

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