- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Downs Today
By the People, for the People
Chiefs Land Elite Defensive Prospect In Latest Mock Draft
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs projected to be selected 9th overall by Kansas City
Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:09pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A cubist interpretation of an elite defensive prospect's dynamic movement on the football field.Downs TodayThe Kansas City Chiefs lost several key defensive playmakers in the offseason, including Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Bryan Cook, and Leo Chenal. In a recent mock draft, CBS Sports' Jordan Dajani believes the Chiefs will select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the 9th overall pick to help fill those defensive holes.
Why it matters
The Chiefs' defense will look dramatically different next season after several key departures, and landing an elite talent like Caleb Downs in the draft could help offset those losses. Downs is one of the top players in the class regardless of position and would provide immediate impact as a versatile safety who can excel in coverage, against the run, and as a playmaker.
The details
Downs, a junior at Ohio State, is projected as a potential top-10 pick after recording 250 tackles, 15 tackles-for-loss, and 5 interceptions over the past three seasons. He has the size to match up with tight ends, the strength to take down running backs, and the football IQ and speed to make plays all over the field. The Chiefs' safety depth took a hit with Cook's departure, and Downs would step in as an immediate starter and one of the best players on the defense.
- The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26.
The players
Caleb Downs
A junior safety at Ohio State University who is projected as a potential top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Trent McDuffie
A former Chiefs cornerback who was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in the offseason.
Jaylen Watson
A former Chiefs cornerback who left the team in free agency.
Bryan Cook
A former Chiefs safety who left the team in free agency.
Leo Chenal
A former Chiefs linebacker who left the team in free agency.
What they’re saying
“Somehow, the NFL allows Caleb Downs to drop to the Chiefs. He's one of the top players in this class regardless of position, and the only defensive back to record 250 tackles, 15 tackles-for-loss, and five interceptions over the past three seasons.”
— Jordan Dajani, CBS Sports Writer
What’s next
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, where the Chiefs will have the opportunity to select Caleb Downs or another top defensive prospect to help rebuild their defense.
The takeaway
The Chiefs' defense faces significant turnover this offseason, and landing an elite talent like Caleb Downs in the draft could be a game-changer. Downs' versatility and playmaking ability would make him an immediate impact player and help offset the loss of several key defensive starters.
