The Kansas City Chiefs may not be used to drafting this early, but that unusual draft position could open the door to a franchise-shifting defensive addition. After another offseason of roster turnover in the secondary, Kansas City has been linked to one of the most highly regarded players in the entire 2026 NFL Draft class.
With the No. 9 overall pick, the Chiefs could be in position to land a player many evaluators believe has elite, scheme-proof talent. That possibility has sparked growing discussion about whether Kansas City should prioritize pure talent over positional value. If that happens, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs may become one of the most fascinating names to watch on draft night.
Chiefs Predicted To Land Caleb Downs at No. 9 Overall
In his latest mock draft, PFSN analyst Jacob Infante connected the Chiefs with Ohio State standout Caleb Downs, explaining why Kansas City could be the ideal landing spot for the elite safety.
“Realistically, it will be a long time before the Kansas City Chiefs pick this high again. With players like Bain and Delane off the board, they opt for the best defensive player available, regardless of the positional value debate.” Infante wrote.
That projection reflects where Kansas City currently stands, as the Andy Reid-led Chiefs are not just filling holes — they are trying to maximize a rare opportunity near the top of the board.
After seeing changes in the secondary, including Bryan Cook’s departure to the Bengals in free agency, there is a clear argument for adding a difference-maker on the back end.
Infante went even further in his evaluation of Downs, making it clear just how highly he views the Ohio State star.
“As of this writing, Caleb Downs is my top overall prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. The fact that he plays safety makes estimating a draft slot for him in a mock draft difficult, but there’s no denying the tools he brings to the table.” Infante added.
Why Caleb Downs Fits Steve Spagnuolo’s Defense
Downs’ profile checks nearly every box for what Kansas City defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo typically values in a defensive back. He is physical, instinctive, rangy, and comfortable playing in multiple alignments.
“He’s a significant, physical, athletic, intelligent safety with good ball skills in coverage and the fluidity to cover a lot of ground as a two-high or single-high safety. He’s the real deal.” Infante stated.
That versatility is a major reason why Downs has remained in the conversation as one of the best overall players in the class. During his college career, he consistently impacted games from several roles, whether operating deep, playing downhill in run support, or moving around the formation as a matchup weapon.
Downs won the Jim Thorpe Award in 2025 and closed out his three-year college run with 257 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and six interceptions. On the PFSN Consensus Big Board, Downs carries a grade of 93.49, ranks No. 2 overall, and is viewed as a potential first-round selection.
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A potential pairing between Downs and second-year safety Jaden Hicks would give Kansas City a young, explosive safety duo with long-term upside. Hicks already showed poise in 2025, and adding a player of Downs’ caliber could dramatically reshape the identity of the Chiefs’ secondary.
That is why Downs feels like much more than a luxury pick. He would represent a premium talent entering a defense known for creative usage and aggressive disguise. For a team that rarely gets access to a prospect this highly regarded, the value may simply be too good to pass up.
