The 2025 NFL Draft features a strong and deep class of safeties, with players who could fit any scheme or need. There will be a bunch of new starters entering the NFL this year but one safety’s sat atop the depth chart from the start.
That is, of course, Ohio State’s Caleb Downs. Downs is universally regarded as the top safety in the class and is in consideration for a Top 5 pick, which would make him one of the highest-drafted safeties in NFL history. Downs has also been frequently linked to the New York Giants at fifth overall.
A lot has been said about Downs using names like Kyle Hamilton, Nick Emmanwori, or even Ed Reed. However we seldom hear much about Downs himself, and if a prospect is being talked about as historically he deserves a close look.
Prospect: Caleb Downs (0)
Games Watched: vs. Iowa (2024)
Red Flags: vs. Iowa (2024), vs. Penn State (2024), vs. Texas (2024), vs. Texas (2025), vs. Wisconsin (2025) vs. Michigan (2025), vs. Indiana (2025), vs. Miami (2025)
Measurables
Height: 5-foot 11 5/8
Weight: 206
Arm length: 30 1/4
Hand size: 9 1/2 inches
Strengths
Best traits
- Size
- Athleticism
- Mental processing
- Communication
- Run defense
- Competitive toughness
Ohio State’s Caleb Downs has a very good combination of size and athleticism for a modern safety. Weighing in at (just under) 6-foot, 206 pounds, he has the size to play the run as a box defender, the ability to cover in the underneath area of the field, and the range to cover a lot of ground on the move.
Downs is a very active communicator in the pre-snap phase as well as a remarkably quick processor, particularly when playing in the tackle box or in shallow coverage zones.
He has a very quick downhill trigger from shallow coverage zones and diagnoses run or pass very quickly, and typically takes efficient – if aggressive – angles to the ball. Downs is a tough player who gives full effort all game long and never seems to shy away from contact. He’s a fearless run defender who doesn’t hesitate to get his hands dirty in run support and typically makes good decisions on his run fits. He is also a willing hitter who can deliver significant hits to ball carriers as well as ensure they get on the ground.
He has good speed on tape and is easily able to turn and run with most of the players he’s been asked to cover. That speed also gives him great range in coverage and the ability to arrive at the point of attack from a long ways away. He also understands route concepts and has the athleticism to beat – or avoid – schemed traffic.
Downs’ speed also gives him upside as a blitzer. He times his rushes well, while his speed allows him to rush from unexpected angles and locations. Likewise, that speed allows him to challenge pass protecting tight ends or running backs, beating them to landmarks and allowing him to get to them before they can anchor.
Weaknesses
Worst traits
- Deep zone play
- Short-area adjustments
- Length
While Downs processes remarkably quickly close to the line of scrimmage and when his responsibilities are limited, his play speed slows the further he gets from the ball.
Downs seems to be much more of a reactionary defender than an anticipatory one, which becomes much more noticeable when he’s in deep coverage zones. There is a definite delay in his play while he sorts through his reads and diagnoses the play before triggering downhill. And while his acceleration, speed, and athleticism were often enough to make up the difference in college, the margins will be tighter at the NFL level.
Downs being a read-and-react defender made him vulnerable to misdirection and manipulation from savvy quarterbacks as well – again, particularly in deep coverage zones. There were more than a few instances of him biting hard on play-action or being pulled out of position by quarterbacks with good eye discipline.
Downs may also have some lower-body stiffness that can impact his ability to make sudden adjustments in close quarters. There were multiple instances of Downs diving at ball carriers’ feet and making shoe-lace tackles because he was unable to adjust his angle at the last minute. Downs also has concerns regarding his length, as his 30 1/4 inch arms are roughly an 1 1/2 inches below average and his 73 1/4 inch wingspan is 3 inches below average. That can likewise exacerbate any issues with breaking down to tackle, as it limits his tackle radius.
Game Tape
(Downs is the Ohio State safety wearing number 2 with white tape on the backs of his arms.)
Projection
Caleb Downs projects as a starting safety at the NFL level, with his highest upside as a strong or box safety.
Teams that use Cover 1 or Cover 3 schemes, or very high rates of 3-safety “Big Nickel” sets will likely get the most out of Downs, however he can be a starter for almost any team in the NFL. He is a good-sized, athletic, and highly physical safety who can be a force against the run as well as a very useful piece against underneath passes. He doesn’t have the consistent ball production to be considered a true “ballhawk”, but he’s skilled at positioning himself to exploit mistakes and quarterbacks should be aware of where he is on the field.
Downs is able to drop into deep middle or half-field coverage zones, however he doesn’t consistently arrive at the play in time to be a factor. On the other hand, he has a much more consistent impact when playing in the underneath area of the field.
Downs should be an early round 1 pick, and has the potential to be an impact player early in his rookie year if he lands in the right situation.
Does he fit the Giants? Yes
Final Word: An early to middle first round pick
See More:
