The New York Jets are in clear need of improvement on the defensive side of the ball after a very underwhelming 2025 season. Gordon McGuinness of PFF projects that the franchise will address the defense by selecting the top safety in the draft, Caleb Downs out of Ohio State, with the No. 2 overall pick.
Although drafting a safety at No. 2 overall is not expected by most around the league, Downs is arguably the best player in the draft and has been nothing but consistent throughout his collegiate career.
“Downs notched an 85.0-plus PFF overall grade in each of the past three seasons and is firmly in the conversation as the best overall player in this draft,” wrote McGuinness. “Positional value will ultimately determine when he comes off the board, but look back at the 2022 NFL Draft and consider how much earlier Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton would go in a redo.”
If the Jets prioritize safety this offseason, selecting Downs would address one of their major roster needs.
GettyCaleb Downs is one of the top players entering the 2026 draft.
A Closer Look at Caleb Downs
According to ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., Downs ranks as the No. 6 overall prospect and the top defensive back in the 2026 NFL Draft class.
“His football knowledge shows in his play; it’s obvious when you watched him in the Ohio State defense,” wrote Kiper. “He diagnoses quickly thanks to excellent pre-snap instincts, and that allows him to play faster than his straight-line speed might suggest. Plus, Downs is solid in coverage, and he is a very reliable open-field tackler.”
Downs recorded 68 total tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions in the 2025 season, according to ESPN.
The Ohio State safety has shown throughout his three years in college that he can be one of the most impactful players on the field, and he possesses all the tools to be a leader on any NFL defense.
Downs has the chance to be the first safety drafted in the top 10 of the NFL Draft since the Jets selected Jamal Adams with the No. 6 overall pick in 2017. Many expect Downs to be selected in the top 10, which shows how highly he is regarded at the position.
GettyDowns could be the first safety drafted in the top 10 since 2017.
How Downs Addresses the Jets’ Defensive Needs
The Jets’ defense struggled as a whole, allowing 29.6 points per game, which ranked 31st in the league during the 2025 season, according to Fox Sports. Part of the problem over the past few seasons has been the team’s inability to find an anchor at the safety position.
Last year’s secondary and, in fact, the entire Jets defense failed to record a single interception. This simple but telling statistic shows the team could use a star player at safety.
The Jets have other defensive needs, such as adding a pass rusher. If they decide to address another area first, it is likely they will still target the safety position in free agency this offseason.
Mike Gruseke Mike Gruseke is a dedicated Heavy NFL contributor specializing in coverage of the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Pittsburgh Steelers. A graduate of Monmouth University with a B.A. in Journalism, Mike previously served as a Sports Writer for The Outlook. Most recently, he has contributed to the Asbury Park Press as a sports writer, continuing to combine his passion for football and his background in journalism. More about Mike Gruseke
More Heavy on Jets
Loading more stories