The Cowboys keep finding new ways to rave about Caleb Downs, and the latest story only adds to the buzz around the rookie safety.
Dallas EVP Stephen Jones shared another example of Downs’ obsession with detail, going back to a time when he was still a senior in high school and spent the spring semester around Alabama’s team before his freshman year. Jones said Downs was already preparing like a veteran.
“He was there for the bowl game,” Jones said via ESPN’s Dan Graziano. “He had his iPad and was acting and studying like he was going to play, and they were like, ‘Caleb, you can’t play in the game,’ but he’s studying his iPad like he’s got to know every last little detail of the game plan. And he knew he wasn’t going to hit the field.”
That kind of praise has become a theme in Dallas, and it’s not limited to Downs. First-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker is drawing heavy approval too, with the Cowboys clearly hoping he can help steer a defense that finished last in the league a year ago.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer didn’t hold back when describing Parker.
“Great conviction, knows exactly what he wants, moves the pieces around, players love him,” Schottenheimer said. “There’s a line of players waiting outside his door to talk to him, because they know how smart he is. He’s awesome.”
In Philadelphia, third-round offensive tackle Markel Bell says the Eagles’ new system fits the way he plays. He described it as a setup that lets him lean into his size, speed and athleticism.
“ I feel like it caters to me and what I can do, ” Bell said, via The Athletic. “ I’m physical.
I’m fast. I’m athletic.
That’s what this system allows me to do: My talent’s on full display.”
Bell also said the current chance he has at right tackle feels familiar, because it mirrors how he was first pushed into action in college.
“ I’m kind of in the same position right now, ” Bell said.
He’s also getting help from veteran left tackle Jordan Mailata, who Bell said has become a steady presence as he settles into the NFL.
“ He’s turned into the big brother that I needed, especially on this level, ” Bell said of Mailata. “ He’s been there with me; he’s been patient with me.
We just talk about everything. We talk about life in general.
We talk about football. We can laugh and joke all we want to.”
The Giants came out of their training camp trip to West Virginia with several spots still unsettled. ESPN’s Jordan Raanan wrote that it felt like Odell Beckham Jr., Braxton Berrios and Dalen Cambre were fighting for one roster opening.
Cornerback remains another major question. Raanan said Deonte Banks had the best showing of any Giants corner in camp, while free-agent addition Paulson Adebo struggled. Giants HC John Harbaugh said the competition is still very much alive, and that the depth at the position gives the team options.
“Oh, absolutely. It’s competitive, guys are competing.
I’ve told you before, I really feel good about our corner depth. I think we’ve got some guys there.
So, we’re just going to let those guys keep competing and it brings out the best in everybody. I thought all the corners played well today.”
Raanan also noted that undrafted kicker Dominic Zvada looks like the favorite for the job after a strong camp.
There’s movement in the backfield, too. Dan Duggan wrote that Cam Skattebo has been the first running back with the starters in most drills, with Tyrone Tracy handling two-minute work and Devin Singletary mixing in. Duggan said the Giants appear interested in adding another dynamic runner before the season if they can.
Duggan added that defensive tackle is another area New York may still look to upgrade before Week 1.
At receiver, Duggan said no one outside third-round pick Malachi Fields has really separated, and Fields is the favorite to start. Cambre, though, is still a dark horse for a roster spot.
Tight end could get crowded as well. Duggan pointed out that Theo Johnson may be squeezed for snaps behind Isaiah Likely as a receiver, while the Giants also like Chris Manhertz and Patrick Ricard as blockers in a run-heavy scheme. Thomas Fidone, a 2025 seventh-round pick, may not have room either, though Duggan said he has made some good plays.
On the offensive line, former first-round pick Evan Neal has been working exclusively with the third string, and Duggan said there’s little sign he is in the mix to make the roster.
There’s also been movement at safety. Duggan noted the Giants have started rotating veteran Jason Pinnock with Tyler Nubin, which suggests Nubin’s starting role is not locked in.
And at corner, Adebo has slid down the depth chart while giving up too many completions, even as it remains to be seen whether Banks can keep his momentum and hold off Adebo by the time Week 1 arrives.
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