Caleb Downs — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Downs can definitely make the case to be the first non-quarterback selected in 2026, but we've also seen elite safeties (like Downs) go later than expected based on perceived positional value. (Kyle Hamilton, for example, was my second-ranked prospect in 2022 and the 14th overall pick). Downs is a complete defensive back with outstanding instincts who excels in coverage, as a blitzer and against the run. Given the team's defensive backfield turnover this offseason, a top-three talent at this spot would be a no-brainer pick for Chris Grier.

Downs is one of the best prospects eligible for next year's draft. While safety is currently and likely will be a need for the Patriots next year, safety is not often valued at a level that justifies top-10 consideration. Downs is a special talent, though.

After getting their quarterback at No. 1, the Browns could use their second first-round pick to keep Downs in-state. He's the complete package at safety -- active, instinctive and capable of shutting down the middle of the field. He had two interceptions and seven pass breakups last season, but Downs can also make plays in the backfield via the blitz; his 7.5 tackles for loss was 14th among all defensive backs.

Downs (6-0, 205 pounds) is arguably the best defensive player in the country and an immediate game changer for whatever franchise takes him. The best safety prospect since Kyle Hamilton, Downs is worthy of his sky-high fifth-overall draft capital in this scenario.

A key leader on the reigning national champions, there's a good case to be made that he's been the best defensive player in college football since the second half of his freshman year at Alabama. There will be plenty of questions about positional value, with the Giants taking him inside the top five. Still, he's great in coverage, a top-notch run defender and a true game-changer who could further elevate New York's secondary.

It has been almost a decade since the last top-10 safety selection (Jamal Adams in 2017). Can Downs break that streak? He played like the best safety in the country during his freshman and sophomore seasons, and there is no reason to think he won't continue as a junior.

A year ago, I billed Colorado's Travis Hunter as the best draft-eligible player in college football, and Downs is another blue-chip talent whose greatest liability is probably that defensive backs rarely warrant top-five consideration. A Day 1 difference-maker at both Alabama and Ohio State, Downs is the ideal modern-day safety, possessing the open-field tackling skills and agility for coverage to be a threat on every play.

A safety hasn't been selected in the top three picks since 1991, when Eric Turner went No. 2 overall to the Browns. Yet while Downs inevitably will have trouble warding off players at premium positions to secure a spot this high, he's unquestionably one of college football's most electric figures thanks to his outstanding instincts both in coverage and stopping the run. He would be an immediate tone-setter for Aaron Glenn as the coach tries to instill a culture of accountability for Gang Green.