Ohio State boasts one of college football’s top programs over the past several decades as they churn out a bevy of top picks year after year. This year will be no different, and one of the first players to hear their name called on draft day will be safety Caleb Downs. What makes him so special? Let’s take a look.
Name: Caleb Downs
Position: Safety
School: Ohio State
Games Watched: Michigan (2024), Oregon (2024), Iowa (2024), Western Michigan (2024), Michigan State (2024), Penn State (2025), Michigan (2025), Indiana (2025).
Strengths: Clearly a film junkie, Downs always looks to be in the right place at the right time. Anticipation is fantastic. Was referred to as “The IQ of the defense” during Ohio State vs Michigan broadcast. Regularly seen getting teammates in position or calling out plays before they happen. A force against the run. Dominance against the ground game shows up on film and in the numbers.
According to PFF, downs logged 35 stops on defense this season which led all Power 5 safeties, all while playing just 293 snaps against the run.
A versatile defender who was asked to line up in the box, the slot and safety while making plays at all three. Recognizes quarterbacks intentions and covers enough ground to make plays on the ball, or make a big enough hit to dislodge it.
Earned a PFF coverage grade of 89.6, which was good enough for third in the country among Power 5 safeties with at least 250 snaps played.
Weaknesses: Will sometimes come screaming downhill and play out of control, missing a chance to make a play. Can be taken out by bigger blockers which he can and does offset with great anticipation. Will sometimes go for the knockout punch rather that hitting and wrapping.
Worth Noting:
NFL Insider Dane Brugler claims to have spoken to scouts about Downs and several have called him the best safety they have ever scouted.
Bottom Line: Downs is arguably the top defensive player in this class but some will get hung up on positional value. If your team just needs immediate impact players, Downs should be at the top of your list. He’s going to bring high level play against both the run and the pass, while adding great leadership attributes and work habits.
In his latest mock draft for NFL.com, Lance Zierlein has the Jets trading up from 16 to 9 to snatch Downs in the top 10.
