Caleb Downs Praised by NFL Scout, 'We Probably Don't Appreciate Him Enough' Ahead of 2026 Draft

Caleb Downs hasn't blown NFL evaluators away with his athletic profile, there's little doubt that he's an extremely talented player when you put on the tape, giving him a legitimate chance to be a top-10 pick at this year's NFL draft.

"He's a pro," an executive told The Athletic's Jeff Howe. "He's one of the cleanest prospects, one of the top four or five football players in the draft class. He's just a really good player. You're hoping you have a chance to take him if you're in the top 10."

A second executive added: "We probably don't appreciate him enough in how he impacts the game, commands the defense and allows others to do so many different things with how he plays, the intelligence on top of the instincts. You're getting a player in the middle of the field who you have to account for."

Across three seasons for Alabama and Ohio State, Downs accumulated 257 tackles (16 for loss), six interceptions, 12 passes defensed, 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He may not have Kyle Hamilton's athletic profile, but there is the belief that he could have that level of impact for a defense.

The B/R NFL Scouting Department ranked as the top overall player in this draft class on its latest big board and projected him to be selected No. 5 overall by the New York Giants on its latest mock draft, so the belief in Downs' upside is high. The safety position isn't valued as highly as others by NFL executives, so it remains to be seen where Downs ends up, but it's clear he's one of the top players available.