Caleb Downs Hyped by NFL Scouts As Best Safety Prospect They've Ever Seen Ahead of 2026 Draft

Safety Caleb Downs has received high praise as he prepares for the 2026 NFL draft.

Multiple NFL scouts told Dane Brugler of The Athletic that Downs is the best safety prospect that they've "ever" seen.

The 21-year-old is coming off an impressive 2025 season with Ohio State, finishing No. 9 in Heisman Trophy voting.

Downs racked up 68 tackles, five tackles for loss, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and one sack in 14 games. He earned unanimous All-American honors for the second consecutive year.

Down previously played a key role on the Buckeyes' defense that helped them capture a national title during their 2024 campaign.

He was ranked as the No. 1 overall player in the 2026 draft class on the latest big board from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department.

B/R NFL Scout Daniel Harms compared Downs to five-time Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry in his scouting report.

"Caleb Downs is the single best prospect for the 2026 draft cycle," Harms wrote. "With his experience in Matt Patricia's defense, he's going to hit the ground running for whatever NFL team drafts him."

While Downs could slip beyond the first few picks in the upcoming draft given his position, he still shouldn't have to wait too long to hear his name called.

The 2026 NFL draft begins on April 23.