Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest NFL mock draft finally puts Caleb Downs where he belong

Nov 22, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) runs against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the third quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images | Joseph Maiorana-Imagn ImagesMany scouts believe that Caleb Downs is the best overall football player in the upcoming NFL Draft and is the closest to a "sure thing" for teams picking high in the opening round. But safeties, even elite ones, don't hold as high of a value in the NFL when compared to quarterbacks, pass rushers and shut-down cornerbacks.

And while Downs might be the best player on the board, he could very well see one or possibly two of his former Buckeye teammates selected…