From now until the 2026 NFL Draft, we will scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top-10 picks, all the way to Day 3 selections, and priority undrafted free agents. Today, a scouting report on Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.
No. 2 Caleb Downs/S Ohio State – 6-0, 205 pounds (Junior)
| Player | Ht/Wt | Hand Size | Arm Length | Wingspan |
| Caleb Downs | 6-0/205 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 40-Yard Dash | 10-Yard Dash | Short Shuttle | 3-Cone | |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Broad Jump | Vertical | Bench Press | ||
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
– Terrific play recognition, rarely fooled by screens/play action
– Positional versatility around the secondary
– Passes off routes and picks them up on time in zone coverage, constant communication with teammates before plays
– Recognizes passing concepts, sometimes breaks on a route before the receiver does
– Impressive closing speed
– Can handle multiple routes in his zone at the same time
– Sticky, physical in man coverage
– Exceptional awareness, consistently positions himself between the receiver and quarterback without getting beaten over the top
– Can play near the line of scrimmage against both the run and pass
– Hips are very fluid
– Takes on blocks with a lot of strength, rarely shoved out of a play
– Experience as a punt returner
THE BAD
– Needs to be more comfortable backpedaling in coverage as a single deep safety
– Habit of going for the big hit with his shoulder instead of wrapping up
– Could break down before tackling a little better; sometimes he begins to tackle with a bad angle
– Loves to read the quarterback, but sometimes gets caught with eyes in the backfield for too long
– Not afraid to take a chance at an interception, but can get burned if he misses
– Needs to learn to disengage from blocks quicker; strength is there, but could be better with his hands
– Career: 164 solo tackles, 257 combined tackles, 16 TFL, 1.