10 in 10: 2026 NFL Draft Scouting

Kicking off this 2026 NFL Draft scouting series is arguably the best defensive player in college football: Caleb Downs. Check back tomorrow and every day between now and kickoff in Week 0 on the 23rd of August.

No. 1 0 - Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Prospect Details

Name: Caleb Downs

College: Ohio State

Year: Junior

Measurables: 6’0, 205 pounds

Scheme Fit: Hybrid Safety in a 4-2-5 scheme

Background

Former 5 star recruit and one of the best overall players in the country coming out of HS in 2023. Played his high school football at Mill Creek in Georgia before committing to the Alabama Crimson Tide. Brother of Josh Downs, who plays WR for the Indianapolis Colts. Also, the nephew of Dre Bly and his Dad Gary played in the NFL at RB.

With the Tide, Downs played right from the start as a True Freshman and had 107 tackles, 3 passes defensed, a forced fumble and 2 picks. He also returned a punt for a TD. Downs transferred from Alabama before the 2024 season, and was among the most valuable safeties in college football last season. Ohio State then went on to win the College Football Playoff, being crowned national champions. A key reason for that was Caleb Downs, who was a unanimous All-American in 2024 and named Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year. He finished the season with 81 total tackles, six pass breakups, two picks and a punt return touchdown.

Detailed Scouting Report

Strengths

1. An incredibly versatile player who can thrive at free safety, slot corner or in the box. Not to mention, he’s a dynamic punt returner as well.

2. Plays excellent downhill. Takes on blocks with speed and aggression and can close the speed in a hurry with excellent diagnostic ability.

3. Great coverage player. Can turn his hips and run with receivers over the middle, and can run stride for stride with slot receivers on mesh and over routes. Effective in the 2nd level as the 'Star' in the Jim Knowles defense and can read and react to the QB with rare instincts.

4. Asset in run defense. Shot out of a cannon at times and closes space in a hurry, making TFLs on screen and outside run plays. Also, sheds lazy blocks, disengaging with fast hands.

5. Unreal range with excellent ball skills. Key INT to close the game vs Texas and has 2 INTs and a return TD in both of his seasons in college football. Is a threat with the ball in his hands, showcasing his ability as a runner dating back to his High School days.

Development Points

1. Could be a bit of a size mismatch at the next level. His most effective role has been as a hybrid safety in college. At 6'0 and 205, he may not be able to play down in the box at the next level. May be limited to playing as a deep FS at the NFL level, so needs to show a bit more there in the Matt Patricia defense this season.

2. Can get run over in short-yardage and goal-line situations, particularly when deployed at the 2nd level. Lacks some length, and it shows up in open field tackling.

3. Deployed occasionally as a blitzer and not particularly effective in those situations. Can be hesitant in getting downhill to put pressure on the QB.

4. Overall, a solid tackler but did miss 10 tackles in 2024 with notable lapses, including the championship game. As a deep safety, he needs to make sure to keep that missed tackle count as low as possible.

Summary

Downs has the potential to be one of the best safety prospects in a few years, entering the 2025 season. His performance level since joining the Alabama defence as a true freshman has been nothing short of spectacular. He has insane range, ball skills and nose for the football with next-level versatility as he has been deployed in almost every secondary role in the Jim Knowles defense. He lacks some size and strength to be a true box safety and it will be interesting to see how he plays in a different system under new DC Matt Patricia. Assuming Downs maintains his level at the high end of college football, he will hear his name called early on Day 1 next April in Pittsburgh.

Player Comp: Justin Reid

Team Fits: Colts, Seahawks, Chargers, 49ers

Grade: 7.8/9.0 (Top 10 Grade)