Each draft cycle, there are one or two players that stand out amongst the rest, and sometimes even defy their position’s traditional draft value. This year, Caleb Downs might just be that player.
The Ohio State product is a tantalizing defender. Despite being a safety, there is a real chance he’s taken within the first five picks. Thus, if the Steelers want to draft him, they’ll have to move up much further than their current selection at 21st overall.
Downs is an exciting prospect, but a move like that would cost a ton of draft capital. Still, to CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala, it might be worth it if the Steelers value him enough.
“If you believe he’s a Kyle Hamilton-slash-Derwin James type safety, then I’m not opposed to that. We just saw how the Ravens paid Kyle Hamilton because of how important he is to their defense. We know how tremendous and impactful Derwin James is,” Kinkhabwala said Wednesday on 93.7 The Fan. “For a safety, I don’t have a qualm with that. If you think this is a true game-changer, if you think this is a guy that’s going to make your defense go, then so be it… And if there’s one thing we know about Omar Khan, he’s certainly more aggressive than Kevin Colbert.”
There’s a lot to like about Downs. When you watch his film, there aren’t any glaring weaknesses. He tackles well and flies downhill against the run. Downs even comes off the edge as a blitzer sometimes and finds ways to collapse the pocket. In coverage, he can line up and press from the slot or the perimeter. Down the field, he still has the speed to keep up with receivers. And in zone coverage, his football IQ really shines, as he’s able to read route patterns before they develop.
Pittsburgh has a lot of talent on defense, but Caleb Downs would be a massive addition. The Steelers have to face a dynamic defender in Kyle Hamilton twice a year, and Downs could become their own version of that. He can play in the box as a linebacker, cover quicker receivers from the slot, rush the passer, and, of course, sit in zone coverage and play center field.
Those types of defenders are worth trading up for. But in Downs’ case, it would cost some significant assets. It’s hard to see him getting past the New York Giants, Washington, or Cincinnati at 10th overall at the very latest. Having to move up at least 10 picks and probably more, Pittsburgh would have to sacrifice a good amount of its 12-pick stockpile.
Kinkhabwala mentions Khan’s past aggressiveness. And Khan didn’t rule anything out regarding the Steelers’ draft approach, speaking earlier this week. With 12 picks, the Steelers do have the ability to be aggressive if they feel the need to. If there’s anybody in this class worth sacrificing that type of capital, it very well could be Caleb Downs.
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