Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is hands down the best safety prospect in the nation. As one of the defensive stars leading the No. 1 ranked team in the country, all eyes will be on the Lott IMPACT Trophy finalist with the college football season winding down.
Ranked as one of the top 2026 NFL Draft prospects headed into the season, Downs has held that status with his leadership on the field and outstanding play as a secondary defender with 32 solo tackles and 2 interceptions through 11 games for the Buckeyes.
NFL teams in need of a safety will have Downs high on their radar as a high first-round selection.
Caleb Downs is the ultimate “middle hole” defensive back
At 6-foot-0, 205 pounds, Downs is a bit undersized but plays big. He is clearly the top safety prospect ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft and a player ESPN’s Jordan Reid has ranked No. 2 on his latest top 50 prospects list, with his biggest strength being consistency.
Reid writes:
“Downs has been a highly accomplished player for both Alabama and Ohio State. He has found the perfect role for his instincts and awareness this season, as first-year Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia uses him as a "middle hole" player. Downs is a consistent tackler with great ball skills, and he is capable of mirroring and matching tight ends and receivers in the middle of the field. He reminds me a lot of Brian Branch coming out of Alabama and could have a similar NFL impact.”
What really stands out about Downs is his physicality on the field. His punishing style of tackling along with his aggressiveness and toughness when providing run support will make him a valuable addition to any NFL team who selects him in the 2026 NFL Draft. Here are 3 teams in need of a safety.
3 NFL teams in position to land Caleb Downs
Chicago Bears:
With Kevin Byard approaching free agency, the Bears are a team who would pounce on Caleb Downs if he slid in the draft. The Bears are currently expected to select late in the first round so it is unlikely that Downs will be around when they pick. But, as far as fit, Downs would give them a young safety to pair with Jaquan Brisker in their secondary. As a physical defensive playmaker with a high football IQ, Downs would give the Bears’ defense a jolt and would serve as cornerstone type player they can further build the defense around.
Other first round options for the Bears: Romello Height (EDGE), Spencer Fano (LT), Brandon Cisse (CB)
Dallas Cowboys:
With two first round selections, the Cowboys don’t necessarily have to go edge rusher with the first of their two picks. They could take Downs to help solve the issues they have been having at the safety position. With Donovan Wilson approaching free agency, the Cowboys could have a bigger hole at the position in the offseason. Again, given where the Cowboys are selecting, Downs could be out of range unless they trade up in the draft or either they or the Green Bay Packers fade down the stretch leading to a higher pick. There is a chance the Micah Parsons trade could lead to Downs, a player with the talent to be a game-setter on defense.
Other first round options for the Cowboys: Arvell Reese (LB), David Bailey (EDGE), Peter Woods
Minnesota Vikings:
Out of the three teams here, the Vikings are in the best position as of Week 13 to land the Ohio State star. The Vikings are 4-6 and looking like a team headed for a roster reset following the 2025 NFL season. With their top need already standing out as safety help, Downs fits the mold as a player who could instantly step in for Harrison Smith if the veteran retires following the season.
Other first round options for the Vikings: Jeremiyah Love (RB), Mansoor Delane (CB), KC Concepcion (WR)