On Wednesday, Ohio State star safety Caleb Downs said his goodbyes and announced his intention to declare for the 2026 NFL draft. Downs is our highest-rated defensive player and highest-rated player overall for the upcoming draft. Downs is one of those generational types of talent in the defensive secondary who will be a game-changer from his first snap in the NFL.
Downs also has an opportunity to make NFL draft history with his selection. The highest any safety has ever been drafted is No. 5 overall. It has happened twice with Eric Berry in 2010 and Sean Taylor in 2004.
Looking at the current first-round draft order, Downs could go as high as No. 3 to the Arizona Cardinals. Downs biggest competition to be the first defensive player off the board after quarterbacks Dante Moore and Fernando Mendoza go in the top two picks could end up being Downs’ teammate, linebacker Arvell Reese.