Cleveland Browns
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Browns urged to draft safety that is similar to Troy Polamalu
The Cleveland Browns have been heavily linked to picking a wide receiver and offensive line help with their two first-round picks, but that may change.
Cleveland needs to address its offense in the draft, but the team could also look to bolster its defense. NFL draft analyst Ryan Wilson of CBS went on 92.3 The Fan and urged the Browns to draft Caleb Downs with the sixth overall pick if he’s there, as he compared Downs to Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu.
“I’d take him,” Wilson said on Friday. “I’ve been talking about this for the last few weeks, now that we are fully in draft mode. He reminds me a lot of Troy Polamalu. I say that, saying I know he’s not Troy Polamalu, but if he’s 60 percent of Troy Polamalu he’s worth a top 10 pick. He’s special.”
Wilson believes Downs has the chance to be the best defensive player in the draft and someone the Browns can build their defense around. Cleveland already has a star pass rusher in Myles Garrett, and would then have a star player in the secondary to build around.
Downs played the last two years at Ohio State after one season at Alabama. Last season, he recorded 68 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and an interception.
When is Downs Expected to be Drafted?
Downs is one of the top-ranked prospects heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, and he may be off the board before the Browns pick at six.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has Downs ranked as his sixth-best prospect, heading into the draft. The Athletic have Downs ranked as the fourth-ranked prospect ahead of the draft.
Meanwhile, NFL.com’s Dan Parr did have Cleveland take Downs with the sixth overall pick, instead of going the usual OL or WR pick.
“Cleveland could pick a wide receiver or offensive lineman here — there are more than enough needs to go around. But in this scenario, the Browns reinforce their strength on the defensive side of the ball. Downs becomes a versatile enforcer on the back end,” Parr wrote.
Downs would be a Day 1 starter for the Browns and further bolster one of the best defensive units in the NFL.
Who Are The Browns’ Safeties?
Cleveland’s starting two safeties are Ronnie Hickman and Grant Delpit, but Hickman is a pending RFA.
Hickman is 24 years old and signed with Cleveland after going undrafted. Yet, Downs would be a massive upgrade over him. Delpit, meanwhile, is entering the final year of his deal, so Cleveland needs to find more long-term answers at safety.
Hickman played well last season as he recorded 103 tackles and 2 interceptions last season as he played well for Cleveland. Delpit, meanwhile, recorded 89 tackles and an interception last season.
Cleveland Likes Their Defense
The Browns’ offense has been an issue for the team, and Cleveland is expected to upgrade it this offseason.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry said he likes the young defense and can build around it.
“Coming out of 2025, the first thing we wanted to do is say, ‘okay, like, where are we from a team standpoint? Where are we from a roster standpoint?’ And we looked at it and we said, ‘hey, we’re coming out of 2025, we have the eighth youngest defense, in terms of experience. A group that’s very complete at all three levels and that we feel really good about,” Berry said.
But the Browns could still take a defensive player at sixth overall if it is Downs.