The Dallas Cowboys know where their problem areas are, and the majority of them are on the defensive side of the ball. Safety is a massive hole for this team still, and with the Cowboys owning the 12th and the 20th overall picks in the first round, they are in a prime position to add an upgrade at that position.

Malik Hooker is entering his sixth season with the team, but has seen his production steadily decline over the last few years. Dallas restructured the final year of his contract, dropping his 2026 salary from $7 million to $5 million with the chance to make more than $8 million in incentives.

While they have him back in the fold for 2026, there’s a pathway for the Cowboys to make additions to the room, and it would change Hooker’s outlook immediately.

Malik Hooker’s Cowboys Outlook Could Be Dramatically Different After NFL Draft

Ohio State safety Caleb Downs has been a name that was linked to the Cowboys throughout the draft process. Downs is a true chess piece that can play several positions at a high level. During his time with the Buckeyes, he played free safety, slot corner, and in the box. In 30 games at Ohio State, Downs had 150 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, eight pass breakups, and four interceptions. He also didn’t allow a passing touchdown at Ohio State across 874 coverage snaps.

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked Downs as his fifth-best overall player. In his takeaway on Downs, he wrote, “Downs sees the field like it’s a chess board and plays with an exceptional combination of intelligence, urgency and toughness, allowing him to be disruptive from anywhere on the field. His intangibles and on-field versatility will make him an impactful NFL starter early in his career.”

If he’s there at No. 12, the Cowboys likely wouldn’t hesitate and turn the card in. In ESPN’s Peter Schrager’s mock draft, he had Dallas selecting Downs at No. 12 and based that mock on what he’s been hearing around the league.

Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman is another fantastic option for the Cowboys. He’s a versatile defender who lines up all over the formation. His play recognition skills and range are impressive. In 39 collegiate games at Purdue and Oregon, he had 306 total tackles, 10 TFLs, 14 pass breakups, and eight interceptions. Burgler has Thieneman as his second-ranked safety and 18th-ranked overall player.

Both players are worthy of the 12th overall pick and would be Dallas Day 1 contributors. If they are nabbed, it will likely push Hooker to the bench. Last season, he finished with 52 total tackles, one pass breakup, and zero takeaways. On Pro Football Focus, Hooker had a 60.8 overall grade (67th among 98 graded safeties) and a 51.8 coverage grade (75th among 98 graded safeties).

His overall and coverage grades have decreased for the second straight season, giving an indication of where his play could be headed. The Cowboys know they need to get better in the safety room. Adding Downs or Thieneman would improve the defense, but would be a gut punch for Hooker.