Ohio State's Caleb Downs Challenges Conventional Wisdom on Safety Value in NFL Draft

Versatile defensive leader could be top-10 pick despite safety position's historical devaluation

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:35am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football player making a tackle, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action and multiple perspectives.Caleb Downs' versatility and impact as a safety could challenge the NFL's traditional devaluation of the position in the draft.Columbus Today

Star Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is generating buzz as a potential top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, despite the safety position historically being devalued in the early rounds. Downs' versatility, impact, and leadership are challenging the conventional wisdom that safeties shouldn't be selected that high. NFL teams must weigh Downs' talent against the league's traditional view of the safety position.

Why it matters

Downs' potential top-10 selection would buck the trend of safeties being overlooked early in the draft. If Downs goes that high, it could signal a shift in how NFL teams value the safety position, especially as more versatile defensive playmakers emerge who can impact the game in multiple ways.

The details

Downs was a two-time unanimous All-American at Ohio State, winning the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back in 2025. He functioned as the centerpiece of the Buckeyes' defense, which allowed the fewest points in the country over the past two seasons. Downs' ability to play all over the field in coverage, run support, and as a blitzer made him a 'force multiplier' for Ohio State's defense. However, some NFL executives remain unconvinced Downs warrants a top-10 pick, as he lacks the elite physical traits of safeties who have gone that high in the past.

  • Downs addressed the question of whether a safety should be taken in the top 10 after Ohio State's pro day on March 25, 2026.
  • Downs won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back in 2025.

The players

Caleb Downs

A star safety prospect from Ohio State who is generating buzz as a potential top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Matt Patricia

Ohio State's defensive coordinator and a former NFL head coach, who worked closely with Downs and believes he is the type of 'eraser-type player' teams should take early in the draft.

Josh Downs

Caleb Downs' brother, who is a receiver for the Indianapolis Colts.

Gary Downs

Caleb Downs' father, who played running back in the NFL.

Davison Igbinosun

A former Ohio State cornerback and projected Day 2 draft pick, who praised Downs' football intelligence.

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What they’re saying

“At the end of the day, it's about affecting the game. Whoever affects the game the most should be picked the highest -- and I feel like I do it at the highest level.”

— Caleb Downs

“When you draft in the NFL, you're always looking at who scores touchdowns and who prevents touchdowns with coverage, pass rush. But then on top of that, who's the face of your franchise? Who are you bringing in that's going to represent your ownership, your organization, everything that you want to embody as a team?”

— Matt Patricia, Ohio State Defensive Coordinator

“[Downs] is an excellent football player. But are we sure he's going to go as high as everyone is saying? Because the safeties that go that high, like Sean Taylor, like LaRon Landry, were physical freaks.”

— NFL Front Office Executive

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April, where teams will decide how highly to value Caleb Downs and other top safety prospects.

The takeaway

Caleb Downs' potential top-10 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft could signal a shift in how the league views the safety position. His versatility, impact, and leadership are challenging the conventional wisdom that safeties shouldn't be taken that high, especially as more multi-dimensional defensive playmakers emerge who can affect the game in diverse ways.