Safeties rarely hear their names called at the very top of the NFL Draft, but history shows that elite talent at the position can still rise into the highest picks. The highest-drafted safeties in NFL history are Sean Taylor (2004) and Eric Berry (2010), both selected fifth overall. However, Eric Turner was taken second overall by the Cleveland Browns in 1991, making him the earliest safety selected in the modern draft era. Now, Ohio State star Caleb Downs is being viewed by many as the next safety who could challenge those marks.
Several safeties have come close to the top of the draft over the years. Jamal Adams was selected sixth overall by the New York Jets in 2017, becoming the highest-drafted safety in more than a decade at the time. Despite these examples, teams often hesitate to use top-five picks on safeties. Positions like quarterback, offensive tackle, and pass rusher are usually seen as more valuable, which can cause even elite safeties to slide on draft day.
Caleb Downs is regarded as #DB1 in this year’s draft. At 6’0, 205 Downs possesses ELITE size and movement skills at the safety position. He is the 1st and only freshman to lead Alabama in tackles! And shows dominant leader skills having transitioned to OSU!
— Malik Boynton (@malikboynton2) December 25, 2025
{ 🎥: @CFBONFOX } pic.twitter.com/9sA5LIZiKr
That trend could be tested by Caleb Downs. According to CBS Sports mock drafts, Mike Renner projects Downs to the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 9 overall, while Ryan Wilson has him going as high as No. 2 to the New York Giants. NFLRankBuzz lists Downs as the top safety prospect with a player rating of 91, along with a reported 4.45-second 40-yard dash. He stands 6-foot-0 and weighs 205 pounds, giving him ideal size for the position.
CALEB DOWNS PICKS IT OFF‼️
— ESPN (@espn) January 11, 2025
DAGGER. Pic.twitter.com/ObSlSInI5Y
On the field, Downs has backed up the hype. This season, he has recorded 60 tackles and two interceptions, giving him six interceptions over three college seasons. What separates Downs from other prospects is his football IQ, instincts, and versatility. He can play deep safety, cover receivers in the slot, guard tight ends, and step up in run support, making him a complete defender.
Many scouts compare his all-around skill set to players like Troy Polamalu and Brian Branch. While the safety position is not always valued as highly as others in the draft, Downs is still seen as a possible top-10 pick and even a top-five selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. If he is taken that high, he could help change how teams view the value of elite safeties.
Looking at the current projected top five picks, the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and Tennessee Titans. We could see Downs selected very early in the draft. The Giants could consider him with the first overall pick if they choose not to take a wide receiver, while the Browns may target Downs as early as third overall to boost their defense. At the very least, Downs has the talent to be a top-10 draft pick. If he rises into the top five or even the top three, he would instantly bring energy and impact to whichever team selects him.
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