As the NFL’s “legal tampering” period transitions into the official start of the new league year, the focus of front offices is already beginning to split between veteran signings and the influx of elite talent in next month’s 2026 NFL Draft.
While this year’s class features several high-end edge rushers and corners, a clear consensus is forming around the draft’s premier defensive playmaker.
NFL Draft 2026: Ohio State S Caleb Downs alone at the top
While this year’s class is viewed as boasting an elite crop of incoming pass rushers, including Ohio State’s Arvell Reese potentially atop those rankings, it might be another Buckeye emerging as the premier overall defender available.
ESPN’s top NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller put together his list of the top prospects in this year’s class, with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs listed as the top defensive player, and No. 3 prospect overall, one slot ahead of Reese.
“Regarded as a top pro prospect since his freshman season at Alabama in 2023,” Miller writes of Downs, for ESPN. “Downs has developed into a special safety. He has the closing speed and range to patrol the secondary in coverage and the power to play in the box as a nickel linebacker or at the Star position. His physicality, speed and ability to take away top offensive players made him critical to the Buckeyes’ elite defense. Comparing Downs to Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu might feel extreme, but they have similar range and explosiveness.”
Dallas Cowboys Caleb Downs
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Pro Football Focus points out that Downs allowed only 23 receptions last season, in 308 snaps in pass coverage, while adding five quarterback pressures.
Downs, six feet and 205 pounds, has elite range in coverage, and isn’t afraid to throw his weight around near the line of scrimmage as a willing run-stopper or blitzing the quarterback.
Almost assuredly to be a top-10 pick next month, there’s a legitimate chance that if he’s still on the board when the New York Giants are on the clock with the No. 6 overall choice, he might not slide any further than that.
Caleb Downs, Ohio State Buckeyes
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images