Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is widely regarded as one of the best players available in the upcoming NFL draft, centered around the Caleb Downs Jamal Adams Draft comparison. However, the NFL’s historic reluctance to draft safeties early suggests he may not be selected first overall or even within the top five picks. The league typically prioritizes quarterbacks and edge rushers over safeties, which could impact his draft positioning.
Historical NFL Draft Patterns for Safeties
Safeties rarely go in the top five selections, with only five achieving this milestone since 1970. The most recent was Eric Berry, taken fifth overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2010. Jamal Adams was the last safety picked in the top 10, chosen sixth by the New York Jets in 2017. Caleb Downs is on track to break this long-standing trend and might be the highest-drafted safety since Adams seven years ago.
Downs’ Confidence and On-Field Impact
Downs embraces his status as an elite defender and believes in his ability unequivocally. He stated,
“I feel confident every time I step on the field,”
reflecting his strong self-assurance. He continued,
“If I wouldn’t say I walked on the field and thought anybody was better than me, yeah, that’s not true.”
His mindset highlights his readiness to contribute immediately at the professional level.
He is aware that draft decisions are based largely on evaluating film, saying,
“At the end of the day, it’s who’s the best defender… If you affect the game in a lot of ways, that’s what is most important. That’s really all I can worry about, honestly. I can’t worry about what anybody else says… my film is what it is. They’re going to make a decision based off of that.”
Versatility Sets Caleb Downs Apart on Defense
One of Downs’ key strengths is his ability to operate effectively in multiple roles. He can line up as a strong safety, nickel corner, or even slot linebacker in sub-packages. This versatility likens him to a modern Darren Woodson but with enhanced blitzing capabilities. Regarding his adaptability, Downs remarked,
“I feel like being able to play multiple positions is what makes people useful, is what makes people special.”
He added,
“So, yeah, being able to play in the box, being able to play in the deep part of the field, being able to play slot, nickel or dime, yeah, I think that makes me unique.”
Accolades Reflecting Downs’ Collegiate Excellence
Downs’ college career has been decorated with significant individual honors. He won the 2025 Jim Thorpe Award, recognizing him as the best defensive back in college football. He also distinguished himself by finishing in the top 10 of the Heisman Trophy voting, becoming the first true defensive back to do so since LSU’s Tyrann Mathieu achieved it in 2011. Players like Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers and Colorado’s Travis Hunter, who played multiple positions, were exceptions rather than the norm.
Over three seasons, Downs amassed 257 tackles, including 16 for loss, and secured six interceptions, showcasing his ability to impact games across various defensive facets.
Implications for the NFL Draft and Future Prospects
Caleb Downs’ combination of talent, versatility, and accolades positions him to potentially rewrite the recent history of safeties in the NFL draft. While draft day preferences may delay his selection compared to skill positions like quarterbacks and edge rushers, his performance and film could push a team to invest an early pick in him. Should he be selected near the top of the draft, he would join a distinguished group of safeties including Eric Turner, Sean Taylor, Kenny Easley, Eric Berry, and Rickey Dixon, solidifying his place among the elite defenders entering the league.
