March 26, 2026, 4:55 a.m. CT
Under new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley in 2025, the defense of the New Orleans Saints rebounded to finish ninth overall and fourth against the pass. A major reason for that was a young secondary that broke in four new starters. Second-year cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry joined rookie corner Quincy Riley, rookie safety Jonas Sanker, and free-agent addition Justin Reid to clamp down on opposing receivers. Only McKinstry and the versatile Alontae Taylor had even been with the Saints the previous year. With Taylor gone in free agency, many have pegged Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs as his successor for the Saints in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Downs is one of four Buckeyes and three Ohio State defensive players that are projected to be drafted in the top ten. While the New Orleans Saints have more pressing needs, Downs could bolster not just the secondary as a replacement for Taylor, but the entire defensive unit.
Caleb Downs bioPosition: SafetyCollege: Ohio State BuckeyesHeight: 6-feetWeight: 206 pounds
A standout in football, basketball, and baseball at Mill Creek High School in Georgia, Downs’ collegiate choice was the Alabama Crimson Tide on the heels of winning the All American Bowl MVP. As a freshman in 2023, Downs led the SEC with 70 solo tackles while adding 2 interceptions and 3.5 stops for loss. He was the 2023 SEC Freshman of the Year and a 2nd Team All-American, but transferred to Ohio State at the end of the year after the retirement of head coach Nick Saban.
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Downs also made an instant for a Buckeyes squad that won the national title in 2024. He had 7.5 tackles for loss and a half sack among 82 total stops, intercepting 2 passes and breaking up 7 others. That earned him both 1st Team All-Big Ten and unanimous All-American honors. Downs saw his tackle numbers dip (68 total, 45 solo) last season, but still had 5 tackles for loss and a sack. He’d also add 2 interceptions on his way to a second consecutive 1st Team All-Big Ten and unanimous All-American honor. Downs concluded his collegiate career by winning the Lott Trophy and Jim Thorpe Award.
StrengthsOffers versatility in man or zone coverage, slot, deep safety, or in the boxCreates havoc around the line of scrimmageProcesses offenses quicklyGood recognition and reaction in off-ball coverageMirrors receivers well in man coveragePlays with the physicality of a linebackerExcellent agility, change-of-direction, and closing speedWeaknessesPartially torn meniscusAggressiveness can be used against him with fakes and misdirectionAverage ball skills in coverageCan struggle against bigger tight ends that match his athleticismCaleb Downs 2026 draft outlook
A torn meniscus revealed at the NFL Scouting Combine is a bit of a concern. However, rumors of a degenerative ACL have been denied by Downs and his representatives. Medicals through the rest of the pre-draft process will be watched closely. If they check out, there is little doubt that he’ll be a top-10 selection and probably the first defensive back drafted.
Losing Alontae Taylor creates a hole in the New Orleans secondary. The need is more at corner and in the slot, but Taylor played a vital versatile role. It’s something that Caleb Downs is capable of doing. The Saints have Reid, Sanker, and Julian Blackmon at safety. However, Downs is the type of player that you find a spot for. If the Saints draft Downs at number eight overall (if still on the board), he would likely fill many of the same duties that Taylor did for the team.