On September 1, former Los Angeles Rams quarterback and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky posted a tweet, predicting that Ohio State Buckeyes’ safety Caleb Downs will be a top 5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Orlovsky’s analysis adds fuel to the growing consensus that Downs is one of college football’s premier defensive talents. His tweet read,
“Caleb Downs will be a top 5 pick in the NFL DRAFT.”
Caleb Downs will be a top 5 pick in the NFL DRAFT
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) September 1, 2025
Downs transferred to Ohio State after Nick Saban’s unexpected retirement. In his first season in Columbus, the Alabama Crimson Tide product became a unanimous All-American, helping OSU maintain a stifling defense. His 2024 stats show his impact even better: eight tackles for loss, six pass deflections, and two interceptions.
NFL reporterJordan Schultz relayed scouting feedback comparing Downs to two NFL greats:
“There’s some Earl Thomas and Eric Berry to him. Just a special, special player.”
Draft analyst Dane Brugler also noted that Caleb Downs ranks among his top five prospects for 2026, alongside Texas QB Arch Manning [NY Times]. Observers say his continued dominance in coverage and playmaking ability could cement his first-round, top-5 status.
Philadelphia Eagles Could Target Caleb Downs as a Generational Safety in 2026 Draft
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs celebrates a play against Western Michigan.
If we have to name one thing that Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman does better than most, it’s (hands down!) planning for the future. Filling immediate roster needs is like one part of his job. Roseman, though, builds with the next few drafts in mind. That’s why Ohio State safety Caleb Downs could be on the Eagles’ radar for 2026.
In a report published on August 29,Geoffrey A. Knox of Eagles Wire alluded to Downs’ potential fit in Philly despite recent additions at the position.
“This may be the best safety in the country, one whose career could end with back-to-back College Football Playoff Championship Game wins. Caleb Downs was a Unanimous All-American in 2024 and figures to receive the same honor in 2025. He would immediately challenge Andrew Mukuba and Sydney Brown for playing time.”
Downs’ pedigree is elite, no doubt. And so, analysts see him as a rare prospect capable of cracking the top five in the NFL Draft. Per an August 29 report, ESPN’sMel Kiper Jr. noted the precedent for safeties going high.
“Kyle Hamilton went 14th in 2022. Minkah Fitzpatrick went 11th in 2018, six spots ahead of Derwin James Jr. We even saw Jamal Adams go No. 6 in 2017. But Downs will best them all and be the highest-picked safety since Eric Berry went No. 5 in 2010… He’s that good.”
For teams like the Eagles, a generational safety entering the draft could be a chance to secure a long-term cornerstone in the defensive backfield.