Pat McAfee disputed a rumor about Caleb Downs' health before the 2026 NFL Draft.
Daft on Draft's Corey Kinnan wrote in an article, which has since been removed from publication, that doctors identified significant medical issues during Downs' physical. Kinnan claimed the former Ohio State safety was flagged for a partially torn meniscus and "potentially degenerative ACL."
McAfee debunked that reporting on Tuesday, claiming several NFL teams assured him there's "nothing to deter us from bringing Caleb Downs in" as a potential draft target.
"There wasn't one NFL team that we talked to this morning that said anything was wrong," McAfee relayed. "And we talked to multiple, so this feels like it's all b*******."
Downs' knee is "a non-issue"
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs (DB34) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
A team told McAfee there's "no significant concern" with Downs' knee, and his stock won't fall because of any medical issues. A source close to Downs also confirmed the same message from team doctors to ESPN's Ryan Clark.
"Every team we have talked to said this is a non-issue for us," McAfee said.
McAfee speculated that a team that likes Downs could have attempted to create a smoke screen so he falls to them. Most mock drafts have the 2025 Lott Trophy winner going early in the first round.
ESPN's Jordan Reid projected the Washington Commanders to take Downs with the No. 7 pick, calling the 21-year-old "one of the smartest football players I've ever studied."
"His football IQ, versatility on the back end and sure tackling ability make him a worthy selection at this spot even though a safety hasn't been drafted in the top 10 since 2017," Reid wrote of Downs.
A star recruit for Nick Saban's Alabama Crimson Tide, Downs delivered two All-American campaigns after transferring to Ohio State. He finished ninth in last season's Heisman Trophy voting with 68 tackles, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles for a defense that allowed 9.3 points per game.
Squashing speculation about his knee should keep Downs in consideration as a top-10 pick.
Copyright The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved