It might be the most heated debate in the NFL draft world right now.
Can you take a safety with the second overall pick?
People are only talking about it because Ohio State’s Caleb Downs is that great a prospect.
The New York Jets are expected to take the first non-quarterback of the 2026 NFL draft, after Fernando Mendoza presumably goes first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Many of the favorites to be taken by New York at No. 2 are prospects at premium positions. We’ve already broken down the film of four of the top options: edge rushers Arvell Reese, Rueben Bain Jr., and David Bailey, and wide receiver Carnell Tate.
Safety is not considered to be as important a position as edge rusher or wide receiver in today’s NFL. But is Downs a special enough prospect to break the mold and be selected over those four aforementioned prospects?
That’s what we’re here to find out today.
Forget the stats. Forget the accolades. What does the All-22 film say? Does it show the next Ed Reed, as many say?
On the latest episode of Blewett’s Blitz, we analyze Downs’ 2025 performances against Texas, Penn State, Michigan, Indiana, and Miami.
Below is the full Caleb Downs scouting report (strengths and weaknesses) and film review.
Strengths:
Good angles as a tackler
Violent player
Smart
Processes quickly
Breaks down well in space
Hit power
Baits QBs in zone
Good at reading route combos
Heavy communicator
Chess piece
Overall athleticism
Acceleration
Can line up in man coverage
Stays square in off coverage
Looks for work, refuses to cover grass
Re-routes well in underneath zones
Slips blocks well (mostly)
Likes to throw shots
Click and close in run game
Potential as blitzer
Good range (didn’t see enough reps to say “great”)
Awareness
Weaknesses:
Can try to deliver big hit too often
Can stare at QB for too long
Wanted to see more MOF sideline-to-sideline reps to determine range
Lack of man reps vs. slot WRs
Feet can get a little inactive in off man
Can be an “ankle biter” as a tackler
Can leave feet as tackler
Could shed blocks with more consistency
Can gamble for INTs (not always a bad thing)
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