TribLive is highlighting the top prospects leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. The three-day event is April 23-25.
Caleb Downs
Position: Safety
Height/weight: 6 foot/206 pounds
College: Ohio State
Downs is a versatile safety and a strong tackler who’s comfortable near the line of scrimmage. He is one of the more experienced prospects in this year’s draft class, having started 44 games over three seasons.
The 21-year-old played one season at Alabama before transferring to Ohio State, where he became a two-time unanimous All-American. Downs ranked third on the Buckeyes with 68 tackles last season, including 45 solo stops. He also had two interceptions and two forced fumbles, earning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
The skill cited most by draft analysts are his pre-snap instincts. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. described Downs as “basically an extension of the defensive coordinator.”
Downs was captain of an Ohio State defense that ranked first nationally in points allowed (9.29 per game) last year. His Buckeyes resume also includes a national championship won in 2024. He was a key contributor to the title run with 82 tackles and two interceptions that season.
He has 257 career tackles.
Downs didn’t run the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. However, Kiper noted on ESPN.com that his instincts let him “play faster than his straight-line speed might suggest.”
Did you know?
Downs is the brother of Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs. Their father, Gary, played running back in the NFL.
Key stat
107 — Total tackles made by Downs as a freshman at Alabama in 2023. He led the SEC with 70 solo stops.
On draft
Here is a look at where the top NFL Draft analysts rank Downs among players at his position and prospects overall:
Draft expert — Safety/Overall
Mel Kiper Jr. — first/sixth
Daniel Jeremiah — first/eighth
Todd McShay — first/fifth
Field Yates — first/sixth
Quotable
“He’s an outstanding ‘force’ player. You’ve got somebody on the field that can be a real reliable, firm tackler.”
— NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah
