NFL Trade Rumors
One of the rare safeties to be a college football star, Ohio State’s Caleb Downs enters his true junior season as one of the top draft prospects in the country. A consensus five-star prospect out of high school and the younger brother of Colts WR Josh Downs, he initially committed to Alabama where he started and led the Crimson Tide in tackles as a true freshman. That year, he had 107 tackles, two interceptions, three passes defensed and a forced fumble as one of the leaders of the defense.
The following offseason, Downs made waves by entering the transfer portal upon legendary Alabama HC Nick Saban’s retirement, committing to Ohio State. He continued his run of dominance as a sophomore, racking up 81 tackles, two interceptions, six passes defensed and a sack on his way to unanimous All-America recognition.
At 6-0, 205 pounds, Downs possesses good size for an NFL safety. He’s a plus athlete with some ridiculous feats on film. At the top of his scouting report are his range and closing speed on the back end. Genuinely, it might be the best I’ve ever scouted in a safety. Watch this play:
Elite, elite play from Ohio State S Caleb Downs. Reads the run as it develops and closes about 15 yards in a second and a half.
— Ethan Woodie (@ethanwoodienfl.bsky.social) 2025-08-13T21:41:58.729Z
Downs is playing free safety in a two-high look here. He recognizes the zone run the offense is setting up and puts his foot in the ground, closing about 15 yards in an instant to make the play. This is elite, elite run support from the safety position. Not just the physical ability on display, but the awareness and football IQ to diagnose the scheme that quickly and jump into action.
Here’s another example:
Another great play from Ohio State S Caleb Downs. Doesn't get fooled on the screen and beats the blocking into the backfield.
— Ethan Woodie (@ethanwoodienfl.bsky.social) 2025-08-13T21:42:46.262Z
This time, Downs blows up a screen pass. He’s playing the inside slot receiver and recognizes the play design, not biting on the route fake and staying true to the target. As soon as his receiver goes to block, Downs drops him completely, getting underneath him and beating the offensive line to the spot, blowing up the play with a textbook tackle.
This next one might be my favorite rep Downs put on tape all of last year. He’s calling out the motioning receiver at the snap, getting the defense aligned, then has to fight over a route to make the tackle:
Maybe my favorite play from Ohio State S Caleb Downs. Gets initial depth to help on the corner route, then closes to the tight end as soon as he releases into a route.
— Ethan Woodie (@ethanwoodienfl.bsky.social) 2025-08-13T21:44:38.088Z
The tight end he has in man coverage initially goes to block, so Downs gets some depth so he can help on the outside receiver running...
