Caleb Downs Shutdown Safety

Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is here. He’s there. He’s everywhere, shutting down whatever the opposing offense is trying to do.

Pure and simple ⎯

Downs is a difference maker on the defensive side of the ball. He shows on film that he truly has what it takes to be “the last line of defense” at the safety position.

If I were asked what it’s been like studying Downs this season, my response would be that it’s been like watching someone breathe as they are inhaling and exhaling. That’s exactly how Downs reads and flows to the ball on game film, and he’s usually somewhere around the ball, either making the play or putting himself in position to make the play.

Game planning flexibility

Here’s a BIG PLUS ⎯

Downs can line up at a lot of different spots, which only adds to his value. This prospect can play low at or near the line of scrimmage and he can cover the flats in his sleep. He can slide out wide or over the slot and do his thing. He can also roam deep centerfield and fly around like a paper airplane in pass coverage.

Man coverage (defender is responsible for covering a certain offensive skill position player).

Zone coverage (defender is responsible for covering a certain area of the field).

Doesn’t matter ⎯

Downs excels at whatever the coverage call is. He sticks to targets like glue in man, and he appears to know exactly where to hang out in zone.

Hitter

This is not another safety trying to keep his jersey clean. Oh no, no, no…

While Downs can do whatever he’s asked to do, if I had to say, “Where does he look most at home on a football field?” I’d have to say it’s when they roll him down in the box and can be around the big boys.

Downs can lay someone out.

Good luck with long scoring plays

That’s what I would say to NFL teams that see Downs on their schedule.

Downs is the fastest safety I’ve ever evaluated. Not only that, but his short-area close is special.

I love his short-area close.

Because of this, it’s going to be that much harder for opponents to take off and score on breakaway runs and runs after catches in the short to intermediate route levels (0-19 yards).

More value.

Negatives?

Three things ⎯

• Occasional reluctance
• Not impressive when it comes to providing deep help to corners over-the-top in pass coverage
• Missed tackles

Yes, Downs tends to come in too low at times, or not wrap up, and sometimes it’s just not enough to make the stop.

NFL projection

A prospect like Downs will change the complexion of an NFL team’s defense.

I’ve only given one first-round pre-draft grade to a safety (Jalen Pitre) since the 2021 NFL Draft; make that two.

#2 Caleb Downs 6-foot-0, 205 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Final 2026 NFL Draft Grade: First-Round (I would select him)

Projected by NFL Mock Draft Database to be a First Round prospect as of January 17, 2026

Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs has Once-in-a-Lifetime Speed (2024: 16 games evaluated)

2025 game film evaluated: Texas, Grambling, Ohio, Washington, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue, UCLA, Rutgers, Michigan, Indiana, and Miami (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

2025: 68 tackles (45 solo), 1 pass defended, 2 INT, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble

Decline in number of passes defended this season⎯6 defended passes in 2024

Ohio State No. 1 college football team defense 2024 and 2025

Note: Consistent on his 2024 and 2025 game film

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report

High football IQ defender. Compact muscular frame. Athletic. Dialed in. Shows a lot of discipline. Likes to keep the game in front of him and keep his eyes in the backfield. More of an after-the-catch defender than a playmaker, but he did show improvement during the season in perfecting his contact timing with when the ball arrives. No problem covering tightends or backs in pass coverage. Quick twitch movements. Strong run support. Loves to torpedo in off the edge and get to the back before he clears the line of scrimmage. Serious blitzing upside. Brother Josh plays wide receiver for the Colts.

Final words

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Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, and has written for Sports Illustrated (Lions, Jets, and 49ers), NFL Draft Diamonds, and Yardbarker, as well as a featured guest on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. Featured in USA Today. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. Follow on Twitter @firstroundmock.