The Cleveland Browns already had one of the league’s top defenses heading into last season. Then they doubled down. By selecting defensive tackle Mason Graham and linebacker Carson Schwesinger in the first two rounds of the draft, they didn’t just reinforce an already formidable unit - they added fuel to a fire that already featured All-Pro edge rusher Myles Garrett, savvy veteran corner Denzel Ward, and a steady presence in safety Grant Delpit.
So now, with the No. 6 overall pick in this year’s draft, the big question is: do the Browns go defense again?
On paper, the more obvious needs are on the other side of the ball. The offense sputtered last season, averaging just 16 points per game - a number that put them near the bottom of the league in scoring.
The offensive line struggled to protect and create running lanes, and outside of a few flashes, the receiving corps lacked the kind of vertical threat that forces defenses to respect the deep ball. That combination made it tough for the Browns to sustain drives, let alone light up the scoreboard.
But there’s a name floating around that could make the Browns think twice about going offense with that first pick: Caleb Downs.
Downs, the standout safety from Ohio State, is widely projected as a first-rounder and could even sneak into the top five - which is rare air for a safety. In fact, you’d have to go back to 2017 to find the last time a safety was taken that high, when the Jets grabbed Jamal Adams at No. 6.
So why would Cleveland consider Downs when they already have Delpit holding down the back end? It comes down to age, contract status, and long-term planning.
Delpit turns 28 this season and is set to hit free agency in 2027. Downs, on the other hand, is just 21 and brings a level of versatility that fits beautifully into the modern NFL defensive landscape.
He’s not just a center-field safety who patrols the deep zones. Downs is a hybrid weapon - someone who can roll down into the box, cover tight ends and slot receivers in man coverage, and fly downhill in run support. His tape shows a player who sees the game a step ahead, diagnosing plays before they fully develop and closing space with elite burst.
And that’s the kind of flexibility that could be a game-changer in Cleveland’s evolving defensive scheme. The Browns haven’t announced their new defensive coordinator yet, but based on recent years, we can expect a mix of zone and man concepts - the kind of system where a player like Downs can thrive.
“He’s No. 1 on my board,” said one analyst recently. “He’s one of the few guys I’d consider at No. 6, even with how badly they need help on offense.”
Downs’ production speaks for itself. After starting his college career at Alabama in 2023, he transferred to Ohio State and continued to dominate, racking up 257 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, six interceptions, and three forced fumbles across his collegiate career. Those are big-time numbers for a safety - and they back up what the film already shows: this kid is special.
With two months to go before the draft, there’s still plenty to unfold. The NFL Combine is just around the corner, and free agency could shift the Browns’ priorities depending on how they address their offensive holes. But if Downs is still on the board when Cleveland is on the clock, the front office may have a tough decision to make.
Do they plug a hole on offense? Or do they take a player who could elevate an already elite defense into something truly dominant?
Sometimes, the best move isn’t about need - it’s about talent. And if the Browns believe Caleb Downs is the best player available, don’t be surprised if they make a bold move and take him at No. 6.