2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Breaking down the strengths, weak points, usage, and projected role of Ohio State S/Nickel Caleb Downs. Plus: grades and schematic fit

Updated: 02/16/2026

Note: This season, I’m posting full scouting reports of a ton of players — as well as written columns on some of the top or most intriguing prospects. This is the format I file to scouting services, and that mirrors the “one sheets” you see in NFL front offices — with some explanations about position critical traits for readers. The written-through columns will have deeper explanations on some of the scouting terms and, more importantly, why they matter. Those will come throughout the draft cycle. But I’ve had requests for these quick-to-read reports, and so here they are! I’ve updated my process this season, based on the Chargers model that stems from Michigan and is now used in Baltimore and Seattle. If you want to understand more about the changes and any verbiage, I explained some of that process on the first scouting evaluations podcast with Jon Ledyard.

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2026 NFL Draft Hub

Prospect: Caleb Downs | Jersey #: 2 | Pro Pos.: Nickel/S | College Pos.: Hybrid

School: Ohio State | Height: 6-0 | Weight: 205lbs | Speed: TBD | Explosive Index: TBD

Age: 21 (Jr) | Final Grade: 8.74 (Impact Starter) | Draft Projection: Top-15

STRONG POINTS:

· A dynamic, versatile safety-hybrid who plays all across the defense: deep half, post safety, in the box, on the line of scrimmage, blitzing the backfield from depth, end man on the line of scrimmage, rolling from anywhere to anywhere. Wants to play top-down and attack the line of scrimmage.