Ohio State's Caleb Downs Hailed as 'Smartest' NFL Draft Prospect by Matt Patricia

Buckeyes defensive coordinator praises safety's on-field intelligence and versatility ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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In a recent interview, Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia heaped praise on Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs, calling him the "smartest player in the Draft" and saying he is "the face of your franchise." Patricia highlighted Downs' exceptional football IQ, ability to read defenses, and versatility, which allowed Ohio State to field one of the top scoring defenses in the FBS last season.

Why it matters

Downs has been a polarizing prospect leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, with some scouts questioning his positional value as a safety. However, Patricia's strong endorsement of Downs' intelligence and on-field impact could help boost the Ohio State star's draft stock and solidify him as a top-10 pick.

The details

Patricia praised Downs' ability to quickly diagnose plays and make adjustments, saying the safety is "like having a coach on the field" who is "always trying to make himself better." Downs was utilized as a versatile chess piece in Ohio State's defense, lining up both in the box and as a deep safety. This versatility helped the Buckeyes field one of the stingiest defenses in the country, allowing just 9.3 points per game. While Downs' ball production (2 INTs, 2 PBUs in 2025) has been questioned by some scouts, Patricia dismissed those concerns, focusing instead on the safety's overall impact and leadership.

  • Downs concluded his collegiate career with back-to-back unanimous All-American nods.

The players

Matt Patricia

The defensive coordinator for the Ohio State Buckeyes and a former NFL head coach.

Caleb Downs

A safety for the Ohio State Buckeyes who is considered a top prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, he's (Caleb Downs) gonna be the smartest player in the draft. He is the face of the franchise. As great a football player as he is, he wants to learn. He's always trying to make himself better. He is like having a coach on the field. He sees it just like you see it.”

— Matt Patricia, Ohio State Defensive Coordinator (The Schrager Hour)

“It's in front of him all the time, so he can move those chess pieces around just like you can. A lot of times, we'd be in games, and I'd be thinking something, and he's like, 'I'm already with you'.”

— Matt Patricia, Ohio State Defensive Coordinator (The Schrager Hour)

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April, where Caleb Downs is expected to be one of the top selections, potentially going as high as the top 10 picks.

The takeaway

Matt Patricia's strong endorsement of Caleb Downs as the "smartest player in the Draft" and "the face of your franchise" could help boost the Ohio State safety's draft stock, as he looks to prove his value beyond the traditional positional concerns that have plagued some safety prospects in recent years.