NFL Draft Scouting Report – Safety Caleb Downs 
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Frank Coyle / Head Scout
1 Caleb Downs #2 5-11, 206 Ohio State – Sp. 4.45
NFL Comparison: Budda Baker Rating 92
Compact savvy senior had an excellent 2025 season to complete an outstanding career including a three time All-American. Transferred from Alabama after Freshman All-American honors. Earned Big Ten first team honors in his two seasons with the Buckeyes including their national title in 2024. Ball hawk with very good movement skills with both speed and quickness. Built more along the lines of a cornerback, though played safety. Very versatile defender lined up at free safety, in the box and slot showing rare combination of developed skills for a pro defense. Comes downhill hard in run support where he attacks runners and finishes with sure tackling. His athleticism, instincts, range and intangibles all rate very high on the scouting evaluation. He has the development to start as a rookie and probably a three-down defender with high development in zone coverage. At the NFL Combine, he came in at over 5’11” and 206 lbs. He did not workout. At the Ohio St pro day, he did not run. Looked sharp in the positional drills and showed quickness in drills, changing directions and retaining his speed. Savvy dependable open-field tackler who understands the concept of wrapping up. Takes proper angles of pursuit and able to slip blockers at line or in space. Over his short three-year career, played in 44 games with 257 tackles, 16 TFLs, 2 sacks, 3 FF, 1 FR, 6 picks and 12 PBUs, starting for two major programs. Good fit for all the sub packages with the development for the nickel role in emergency. Leader and captain of the defense who can line up players and make fast adjustments. Shows speed to go sideline to sideline with top range and savvy ball skills. Sharp instincts and vision with a developed sense of timing and sound route recognition. Plays disciplined technique in coverage, showing the ability to use leverage and positioning to bracket receivers. He has been amazingly consistent over his three-year career, playing at a very high level with three new coordinators annually. High quick zone defender with the natural skills to cover in man situations. Runs a sub 7.0 three cone drill which translate well to the field. Unique piece for the sub packages at safety to make adjustments on the clock. Talented blue-chip prospect with rookie starting grade to become a fixture in a secondary. Top 10 versatile athlete with rookie starting grade as a three-down defender.
Draft Projection: 1sr Round – Top 5-8
