The NFL Draft Combine began this week, and anticipation is high as prospects take the field, speak to the media, and participate in team interviews ahead of April’s draft.
One player speaking to the media on Thursday was Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, the anchor of one of the best defenses in college football this past season.
Safeties are often evaluated differently than other defensive prospects, particularly in the first round, due to scheme fit and the varied impact they can have on a game. The last safety selected in the top 10 was Jamal Adams in 2017, and Downs has the potential to break that nine-year streak.
Despite the ongoing debate about where safeties should be picked, Downs is confident in his standing. He believes teams should select the best player available — and that he is that player.
“At the end of the day, it’s who’s the best defender,” Downs said. “It’s not really about positional value. It’s who affects the game. If you affect the game in a lot of ways, that’s what’s most important. That’s really all I can worry about, honestly. I can’t worry about what anybody else says. At the end of the day, my film is what it is. They’re going to make a decision based on that.
“I feel confident every time I step on the field,” he added. “If I wouldn’t say I walked on the field and thought anybody was better than me, yeah, that wouldn’t be true.”
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Caleb Downs when asked about the positional value of taking a safety high in the draft:
“At the end of the day, it’s about who’s the best defender.”
Reporter, “Are you the best defender?”
“Yeah.” pic.twitter.com/OBlQPjcX2Z
— Dan Hoard (@Dan_Hoard) February 26, 2026
Downs has already drawn interest from several teams and has been mocked across the board regarding where he could be selected, but he chose not to reveal which teams he’s already met with during his press conference.
When asked about past safeties he models his game after and enjoys watching, Downs named current stars and all-time legends such as Brian Branch, Kyle Hamilton, Budda Baker, Troy Polamalu, and Ed Reed.
During his three-year college career spanning Alabama and Ohio State, Downs totaled 257 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and six interceptions. He highlighted his versatility as one of the key traits that makes him stand out.
“I feel like being able to play multiple positions is what makes people useful, is what makes people special,” Downs added. “So, yeah, being able to play in the box, being able to play in the deep part of the field, being able to play slot, nickel or dime — yeah, I think that makes me unique.”
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