Caleb

Downs

Downs is expected to be an immediate starter for a Cowboys defense that ranked 32nd in points allowed last season, while also allowing the highest yards per attempt. Downs is a versatile defender who excelled in both pass coverage and against the run while at Ohio State. He is one of six Cowboys to ink their rookie deals, with pass rusher Malachi Lawrence the only one yet to put pen to paper.

Per Fowler, Jets TE Kenyon Sadiq “was also believed to be part of the Rams’ first-round conversation at some point,” along with Cowboys S Caleb Downs. Both the former USC wide receiver and the former Oregon tight end were available when the Rams were on the clock. The former Ohio State safety was taken two picks earlier. The Rams are slated to pick 29th in Rounds 2 and 3 today. Given their interest in Lemon, a slot/Z-receiver, and Sadiq, a receiving tight end, it would be unsurprising to see them draft a pass catcher today.

Downs will join one of the NFL’s worst coverage units in Dallas. The Cowboys in 2025 allowed the league’s third highest drop back EPA and the second highest drop back success rate, regularly getting carved up by opposing quarterbacks. Caleb Downs (6’0/206) enters the 2026 NFL Draft cycle with one of the most bankable defensive résumés in the class, pairing elite coverage metrics with high-level run support and professional tackling technique. He allowed just 9 completions on 20 targets (45.0%) for 72 yards with 0 TDs allowed, 2 INT, and a staggering 7.0 passer rating allowed, making him one of the most efficient safeties in college football. His versatility is reflected in his 365 coverage snaps, where he aligned deep, rotated into the slot, and triggered downhill against the run, posting 6 run stops, 11 havoc plays and an 83.7 run defense grade. Downs’ diagnostic skills show up in the tape and the data (89.6 cover grade) as he consistently undercuts intermediate routes and rarely bites on play-action, allowing only 0.22 yards per coverage snap. Physically, he’s not a height/length outlier, but his short-area burst, clean feet, and immediate trigger allow him to win both in space and in traffic. Downs’ value comes from certainty, he’s a plug-and-play NFL starter with Pro Bowl floor traits and one of the safest defensive evaluations this class has to offer.

Vacchiano adds that the team knows they need a wide receiver and “did a lot of work on” Ohio State WR Carnell Tate. Both players took top-30 visits with the Commanders and are viewed as potential top-10 picks. The pick could simply come down to which player is on the board when the team picks at No. 7 overall. The Commanders focused on improving the pass defense in free agency, but they could still benefit from adding a player like Styles. Vacchiano notes, Ohio State S Caleb Downs “might be in the mix, too.”

Giants general manager Joe Schoen views Love as “an offensive weapon,” not just as a running back, so he may not disagree with Harbaugh in this scenario. That said, Raanan reminds viewers that Harbaugh is ultimately “running the show” in New York. The Giants are also interested in Ohio State LB Sonny Styles and Ohio State S Caleb Downs. Per Raanan, trading back into the Nos. 6-10 range before drafting Downs might be the “perfect scenario” for the Giants.

Rapoport cautioned viewers, saying he is not making any predictions, before listing Ohio State S Caleb Downs, Ohio State LB Sonny Styles and Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. as potential options. An ESPN report from earlier this month indicated the Commanders are focused on improving the pass defense this year. Adding any of the three players listed above would go a long way toward that end.

Jeremiah also thinks Ohio State S Caleb Downs’ odds of being drafted in the top 10 are greater than 50.0 percent. He adds that Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald will be drafted between picks 25 and 35. Jeremiah’s colleague, Ian Rapoport, said last week that he believes Tate will be drafted in the top 15. Sounds like his stock is ticking upward.

Downs began his college career at Alabama in 2023. He transferred to Ohio State the following season and helped the Buckeyes win the 2024 College Football Playoff Championship. In 2023, he was a second-team All-American, the SEC Freshman of the Year and first-team All-SEC. In both 2024 and 2025, Downs was a Unanimous All-American, the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors. In 2025 alone, he won the Lott Trophy and Jim Thorpe Award. The Athletic’s James Boyd notes Downs is Colts WR Josh Downs’ younger brother and “is widely considered to be a potential top-10 pick.”

Downs (6'0"/185) is ranked as the 12th player in the class, and is the top safety. He chose Bama over hometown Georgia, Ohio State, Notre Dame and Clemson. Athleticism, intelligence, size, agility, pursuit, coverage, he checks all the boxes. Downs work ethic and leadership also standout. He’s the brother of star UNC WR Josh, and both his uncle and father made it to the NFL. He racked up 77 tackles, one sack, 11 PBU’s and an incredible five picks in 2021. Physical traits, mental traits, pedigree, production, Downs has it all, which makes it no surprise he’s the top ranked safety in the class.

Marcus Freeman was brought to Notre Dame due to his recruiting prowess and infectious energy. As the head coach, that is already paying dividends. With 24/7 Sports’ number one class for 2023, securing a visit from Downs (6'0/185). A five-star per the 24/7 Sports composite, Downs can do a little bit of everything with his speed and physicality. Adding Downs to this class would give them a second five-star and a second safety.