Feb. 17, 2026, 11:54 p.m. ET
It is never too early to evaluate impact defenders for the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Jason Licht has consistently prioritized defensive playmakers, and Todd Bowles’ scheme thrives when the back end is anchored by a versatile, instinctive safety who can disguise coverages and erase mistakes. Elite safeties who can impact the game in coverage, against the run, and on special teams are rare commodities.
We are working through each position group this cycle. With that in mind, here is our report on Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.
InformationSchool: Ohio StateConference: Big TenPosition: SafetyHeight Weight: 6-0, 205 poundsClass: JuniorHometown: Hoschton, GeorgiaBackground
Downs entered college football as one of the most decorated defensive prospects in the country and immediately validated the hype. After a standout true freshman season at Alabama in 2023, where he led the team in tackles and earned national freshman of the year honors, he transferred to Ohio State and elevated his game to another level.
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At Ohio State, Downs became a two-time unanimous All-American and one of the most decorated defensive backs in program history. He captured the Jim Thorpe Award and the Lott IMPACT Trophy in 2025 while serving as a team captain. He anchored a defense that ranked No. 1 nationally in total defense, scoring defense, passing defense, and rushing defense.
Across three collegiate seasons, Downs totaled 257 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, six interceptions, and 17 passes defended. His production reflects not only consistency but a complete defensive skill set.
Notable Stats682 total snaps58 tacklesFive tackles for lossTwo interceptionsTwo forced fumbles87.6 overall defensive grade83.7 run defense grade89.6 coverage grade
Downs has maintained elite grading across three seasons at two powerhouse programs, demonstrating both durability and high-level performance.
SkillsElite football instinctsVersatility to play deep safety or in the boxHigh-level range in coverageReliable open-field tacklerStrong run support presenceBall production and turnover creationLeadership and communication skillsSpecial teams impact ability
Downs plays with rare awareness and timing. His ability to diagnose plays pre-snap and trigger downhill allows him to limit explosive gains. In coverage, he shows fluid movement skills and disciplined eye control, enabling him to close windows and track the football at a high level.
Against the run, Downs does not shy away from contact. He consistently fits gaps with proper leverage and displays reliable tackling technique in space. His combination of physicality and range makes him scheme versatile, capable of playing as a single-high defender, split-safety, or rotational box safety.
Player Summary
Caleb Downs is a top-five talent in the 2026 NFL Draft class. The only scenario in which he falls outside that range is if teams prioritize positional value elsewhere. From a pure football standpoint, he is one of the most, if not the most, complete defensive players available and a bona fide playmaker on the back end.
In Tampa Bay, Downs would provide immediate impact in Todd Bowles’ defense. His versatility would allow Bowles to expand disguise packages and coverage rotations, while his instincts and tackling would solidify the final line of defense. Downs projects as a foundational defensive piece capable of anchoring an NFL secondary for years.