Former Ohio State safety Caleb Downs distinguished himself as not only one of the best defensive backs but also one of the best players in the country last season. Downs captained the best defensive unit in the country, which earned a PFSN’s CFB Defense Impact score of 95.1.
After an impressive season in Columbia, Downs has been projected as a potential top 10 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft.
Caleb Downs Addresses John Harbaugh’s Praise
During media availability on Thursday at the NFL Draft Combine, Downs spoke about New York Giants coach John Harbaugh praising his skill set.
“It’s an honor, honestly. He’s a legend of the game,” Downs said. “It’ll be an honor to meet him whenever I do. So, that would be great and I’m looking forward to meeting him.”
Harbaugh has become renowned for working with some of the league’s best-ever safeties, including two-time All-Pro Kyle Hamilton, Hall of Famer Ed Reed, and Brian Dawkins, when he was the Philadelphia Eagles assistant coach.
The value of a talented safety has taken a hit in recent NFL drafts, with the last player picked in that position in the top 10 being Jamal Adams in 2017. In addition, only six defensive backs have been picked in the top five in an NFL Draft since 2000.
Harbaugh High on Downs’ NFL Potential
During a Feb. 13Â segment of the “Mike Francesca” podcast, Harbaugh lavished praise on Downs and his potential standing in the NFL should the Giants use their pick on the talented safety.
“We favor Hall of Fame safeties, so if we have a chance to draft a potential future Hall of Fame safety in Caleb Downs, that would be just fine with me,” Harbaugh said. “We’ll take the best player. You know, when you draft that high, you take the best player. It’s not a need pick.
“It’s the best player pick because you’re going for the guy that’s going to be that kind of a player. You’re talking about a guy that you would like to see someday wearing a gold jacket, if possible. That’s what the goal is with that pick. That guy would be just fine with me. I’d take him in a second.”
Downs had a stellar 2025 season and was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, alongside winning the Thorpe Award, which is given to the best defensive back in the country. He tallied 68 total tackles, two interceptions, five tackles for loss, and one sack for the Buckeyes last season.
