Troy Polamalu is one of the best Pittsburgh Steelers ever. They selected him in the first round of the 2003 draft, and he built an incredible legacy. Polamalu was a four-time first-team All-Pro, two-time second-team All-Pro, eight-time Pro Bowler, and the 2010 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. While Polamalu felt like a one-of-a-kind player, analyst Ryan Wilson sees him in Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, one of the top prospects in this year’s draft.
“I am not overstating it when my comp for him is, you squint and you put a little wig on him, Troy Polamalu,” Wilson said recently on CBS Sports HQ. “Troy Polamalu was drafted in the middle of the first round 23 years ago. The Steelers came up to get him. Today, Troy Polamalu’s a top-five pick. I think Caleb Downs brings that sort of versatility.
“He’s also similar in size in that he’s only gonna be 5-10, maybe 5-11, around 200 pounds. He plays like Troy Polamalu, in the middle of the field as a free safety, in the box as a linebacker, coming off the edge, in slot. Wherever you want him, he will do it.”
Downs began his collegiate career in 2023 at the University of Alabama, but he transferred to Ohio State for his last two seasons. Downs had 107 tackles, two interceptions, four passes defensed, 3.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery as a true freshman.
He’s done nothing but improve since then, too. Downs was one of the best players in the country last year. He had 68 tackles, two interceptions, one sack, two pass defenses, five tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles in 2025. That led to him winning the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given to college football’s best defensive back.
While comparing any draft prospect to Polamalu feels crazy, Downs could reach that level one day. Wilson is not the only one who believes that, either. Draft expert Dane Brugler shared that some scouts he’s talked to have called Downs the best safety prospect they’ve ever evaluated.
Fun question I've been asking to scouts: "Caleb Downs is the best safety prospect you've personally scouted since….?"
A few have answered "Ever" https://t.co/6jOUZWe677
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) February 12, 2026
Also, Wilson isn’t saying that Downs is already a Hall of Fame player. He sees similarities between him and Polamalu, and that’s fair.
Versatility was one of Polamalu’s greatest traits. He did it all, and that’s why he’s one of the best safeties in NFL history. Downs looks capable of similar things.
However, there were innate things that made Polamalu special. He had a knack for being in the right place at the right time, like he had a sixth sense. Sometimes, he went rogue on plays simply because he had a feeling where the ball was going. More often than not, he was right. It’ll be tough for Downs to replicate that ability.
The Steelers would probably love to add Downs to their team, but that feels unlikely. Safety has been one of the least-valued positions in the draft in recent years. However, Downs is generating a lot of buzz. The Steelers have pick No. 21, and it feels like Downs will be long gone by then. They traded up to take Polamalu 16th overall in 2003, though. If Downs somehow falls, perhaps the Steelers will execute a similar move up to take him.
Recommended for you