Cowboys OTAs: Caleb Downs impressing, Pickens absent, defense turns heads

If Brian Schottenheimer is trying to keep a lid on the fanfare surrounding Caleb Downs, his latest comments haven't exactly helped.

"Sometimes you feel like, 'Let's slow down a little bit with the hype around him, because we haven't been in the pads,'" the Dallas Cowboys head coach said at OTAs on Thursday.

He then followed up by singing Downs' praises. Go figure.

Schottenheimer's verdict on Downs

The Cowboys traded up one spot in the 2026 NFL Draft to select Downs with the 11th overall pick.

The early signs are that they're happy with that decision.

While initially careful not to go overboard about how the rookie has looked so far, Schottenheimer couldn't hide his pleasure with the way Downs learns on the fly.

"There is a transition period. There's going to be mistakes that are made," he said.

"[But] I thought one of the greatest compliments you could give a young player is, they don't repeat mistakes.

Elaborating on that point, he acknowledged that while Downs hasn't been perfect so far, he has been quick to correct any issues.

"He's made mistakes throughout the course of phase two and OTAs, even the last couple practices, but he doesn't make the same mistake twice.

"I think that's a very, very good thing for us and the Cowboys nation."

So far, so good for the player bookmakers have as a top-five favourite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year honours.

Other news from Cowboys OTAs

Dallas' new defense is turning heads

The Cowboys' defense was somewhat of a disaster last year, ranking dead last in passing yards allowed and 31st in passing touchdowns surrendered.

New defensive coordinator Christian Parker is desperate to rewrite the narrative, and if CeeDee Lamb's comments are to be believed, he's on the right track.

Parker's new scheme involves a heavy dose of disguises, making life difficult for the offense in OTAs.

"It's been annoying to prepare against," Lamb admitted.

George Pickens' no-show is no problem

Pickens hasn't attended voluntary OTAs, but Schottenheimer isn't too concerned.

"I expect he'll be here," Schottenheimer said, referring to the team's mandatory minicamp, which opens on June 16. "I think he's in a good spot, but again, I know he's handling his business.

"I know he misses his teammates, [and] we miss him too. You know how we feel about him. We love him. This is just part of the business," he said.

Pickens caught 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in his first season with the Cowboys, the best numbers of his career across all three categories.

He earned Pro Bowl and Second-team All-Pro nods for his efforts, and after signing his franchise tag, is expected to be a major part of the Dak Prescott-led Dallas offense in 2026.

Schottenheimer acknowledged the absence but is keeping things in perspective.

"How do you prove to your teammates that you're doing everything in your power to be the best version of yourself if they don't see you doing it?

"I have no question George is preparing."