Top 2026 NFL Draft Prospects Praise New Rams Coach

Ohio State defensive backs laud Michael Hunter's coaching abilities as he joins Sean McVay's staff.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Two top Ohio State defensive back prospects, Caleb Downs and Davison Igbinosun, have high praise for new Los Angeles Rams defensive backs coach Michael Hunter. Hunter, who previously coached the pair at Ohio State, is expected to join the Rams' coaching staff after two seasons with the Buckeyes. Both players highlighted Hunter's ability to relate to players, his hands-on coaching style, and his NFL playing experience as key factors in their development.

Why it matters

The Rams are looking to upgrade their secondary, and Hunter's familiarity with Downs and Igbinosun could influence the team's draft strategy. Downs is projected as a potential top-10 pick, while Igbinosun is expected to be selected in the first or second round.

The details

Caleb Downs, a projected first-round pick, praised Hunter's ability to relate to players and his extensive NFL experience, saying "He relates to his players at a high level. He played college ball. He played NFL ball, so he really knows the game." Davison Igbinosun, a projected second-round pick, noted that Hunter was very hands-on in his coaching, providing feedback both on and off the practice field and working closely with him to perfect his press technique.

  • Hunter coached Downs and Igbinosun at Ohio State for the past two seasons.
  • Hunter was originally set to join the coaching staff at Tennessee before pivoting to the Rams.

The players

Caleb Downs

A projected first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Downs is a versatile safety who had 164 solo tackles, 16 tackles for loss, six interceptions, three forced fumbles, and 12 defended passes in three college seasons (one at Alabama, two at Ohio State). He was a two-time All-American.

Davison Igbinosun

A projected second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Igbinosun had 59 solo tackles and four interceptions over the past two seasons in Ohio State's stout secondary.

Michael Hunter

The Rams' expected new defensive backs coach, Hunter played in the NFL from 2016 to 2019, mostly on special teams and practice squads. He spent the past two seasons coaching Downs and Igbinosun at Ohio State.

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What they’re saying

“He relates to his players at a high level. He played college ball. He played NFL ball, so he really knows the game. He's able to articulate that to his players and at the end of the day you know that the person who is coaching you has done it before. They aren't just telling you stuff that they learned from a book. They have really experienced everything they are trying to teach you. I think that's what makes him special.”

— Caleb Downs (On3)

“He will pour into you in his off time. He gives me feedback on and off the practice field. If I have a good or bad rep he tells me about it. He watches film with me before and after practice. He pours into his players tremendously.”

— Davison Igbinosun (On3)

What’s next

The Rams will likely look to target Downs or Igbinosun in the 2026 NFL Draft, with Downs potentially requiring a trade up to select in the top 10 and Igbinosun potentially available at the Rams' first-round pick or in the second round.

The takeaway

Michael Hunter's strong relationships and coaching reputation with two of the top defensive back prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft could prove invaluable for the Rams as they look to upgrade their secondary through the draft.