There are great prospects in every NFL Draft. There are elite prospects. And then there’s Caleb Downs.
The former Alabama Crimson Tide freshman phenom turned Ohio State Buckeyes superstar has officially declared for the NFL Draft, and make no mistake about it — he isn’t just one of the best players available. He’s the best player. And frankly, it’s not relatively close.
Downs has been elite from the moment he stepped onto a college football field. Not good for a freshman. Not promising. Elite. Period.
Elite Since Day One
Most freshmen arrive on campus needing time to adjust. Downs arrived in Tuscaloosa and immediately became the best player in Alabama’s secondary — and one of the best defenders in the entire country.
In 2023, Downs finished with 107 total tackles, an absurd number for a true freshman defensive back. He wasn’t just making plays — he was the defense. He added 70 solo tackles, 3 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, and a forced fumble, showing NFL-level instincts before he was even eligible for the draft.
Freshmen simply do not do that at Alabama. Downs did.
And then he got even better.
Dominance at Ohio State
After transferring to Ohio State, Downs didn’t just maintain his level — he elevated it.
In 2024, he recorded:
- 81 total tackles
- 6 pass deflections
- 2 interceptions
And in 2025:
- 68 total tackles
- 2 forced fumbles
- 2 interceptions
His career totals are staggering:
- 256 tackles
- 163 solo tackles
- 6 interceptions
- 10 pass deflections
These aren’t just good numbers. These are numbers that show complete defensive control.
Quarterbacks avoided him. Offensive coordinators game-planned around him. And it didn’t matter.
He still took over games.
The Definition of a Modern NFL Superstar
What separates Downs isn’t just production. It’s everything else.
He has:
- Elite instincts
- Sideline-to-sideline range
- Physical tackling ability
- Ball-hawk skills
- Leadership presence
- NFL-ready football IQ
He plays like a 10-year NFL veteran already.
Downs can line up deep, in the box, in the slot, or blitz off the edge. He erases tight ends. He shuts down the middle of the field. He prevents explosive plays.
He changes entire offenses.
That’s the definition of a franchise defensive player.
There Is No Debate
Every draft cycle, there are arguments. Quarterbacks vs pass rushers. Tackles vs receivers.
This year shouldn’t have one.
Caleb Downs is the safest prospect in the draft.
He’s the most proven.
He’s the most dominant.
And he’s been doing it longer than anyone else.
There are players with potential. Downs has already arrived.
Future NFL Superstar
The scary part? He’s still getting better.
Downs enters the NFL as a player who can immediately become:
- A Pro Bowl safety
- An All-Pro candidate
- The centerpiece of an elite defense
He isn’t just going to start.
He’s going to change franchises.
The Verdict
Caleb Downs isn’t just the best safety in the NFL Draft.
He’s the best player.
He has been elite since his first snap.
And now, he’s about to prove it all over again on Sundays.
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