NFL GM Says OSU's Caleb Downs Is 'Kyle Hamilton But Faster and More Explosive'

At least one NFL general manager already sees Ohio State's Caleb Downs as a potential star at the next level ahead of the All-American safety's junior college season.

"He would be a top-five safety in the NFL today if he was eligible. He's Kyle Hamilton but faster and more explosive," the general manager told ESPN's Matt Miller.

The GM added that he believes Downs could also be a first-round pick as a running back should he decide to add the position to his repertoire, per Miller.

Downs, who arrived in Columbus after a record-setting freshman season with Alabama, immediately lived up to his reputation as a versatile defensive leader during his sophomore campaign.

The safety recorded 82 tackles and two interceptions last season while helping Ohio State rank as the top scoring defense in the nation on the team's way to a national championship.

Like Downs, Hamilton played at a variety of positions in Notre Dame's backfield before he went to the Baltimore Ravens with the No. 14 pick of the 2022 draft.

Hamilton took 313 snaps in the box, 427 in the slot and 644 at free safety through three seasons with the Fighting Irish, per USA Today's Doug Farrar.

Downs has played 624 snaps in the box, 428 in the slot and 680 at free safety while playing for Alabama and Ohio State, per Pro Football Focus and Colts Wire's Paul Bretl.

That versatility could potentially help secure Downs' position as a potential first-round pick should he decide to declare for the 2026 draft.

At least one GM believes it could also help him reach Hamilton's level of success with the Ravens. The former Notre Dame star recorded a career-high 107 tackles while earning a second straight Pro Bowl nod last season.