Caleb Downs is making waves as he heads into the 2026 NFL Draft, and he’s got every reason to feel like the top prospect. With a college career that reads like a highlight reel, Downs has built an impressive resume that could make him a coveted pick.
Starting at Alabama, he quickly made his mark by being named SEC Freshman of the Year. His journey continued with the Ohio State Buckeyes, where he delivered two standout seasons.
His accolades include two unanimous All-American selections, a Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award, the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award, the Lott Trophy, and a national championship victory. That’s a collection of hardware that speaks volumes about his talent and impact on the field.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Downs exuded confidence, stating, "I feel confident every time I stepped on the field. If I would say I walked on the field and thought anybody was better than me, yeah, that's not true." This self-assurance is backed by his performance and potential as a game-changer in the NFL.
The buzz around Downs is strong, and there’s a real possibility he could be snagged as a top-five pick. If not, he’s almost certainly going in the top 10. It’s worth noting that a defensive back hasn’t cracked the top five since Eric Berry in 2010, but Downs might just break that trend.
His versatility is another asset, as he believes he can make an impact beyond just the defensive backfield. He emphasizes that his mental game sets him apart, saying, "I feel like my mind really puts me above a lot of people in terms of how I process the game and play with instincts, and I feel like that's what makes me special."
In his college career, Downs recorded 256 total tackles, with 163 of those being solo efforts. He also contributed 10 passes defended, three forced fumbles, and 1.5 sacks. These stats underscore his ability to be a dynamic presence on the field.
A recent mock draft by CBS Sports projects him going No. 10 overall to the Cincinnati Bengals, a team that could certainly benefit from his skills and leadership. As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Caleb Downs to see where this promising talent lands.