Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, who is the brother of Indianapolis Colts’ wide receiver Josh Downs, is one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL draft.
ESPN’s Matt Miller and Jordan Reid recently ranked their top five prospects at each position group, and Downs was the No. 1 safety for both. On Pro Football Focus’ big board, Downs is the top-ranked prospect overall.
“Downs, who transferred from Alabama last offseason, has been the most valuable safety in college football over the past two seasons, according to PFF’s Wins Above Average metric,” wrote PFF.
“His 91.7 overall PFF grade in that span is second among all FBS safeties, while his 91.2 PFF coverage grade is third. Downs is also a fantastic run defender, leading all players on this list with 35 run-defense stops and an 88.5 PFF run-defense grade since 2023.”
Downs is listed at 6-0 – 205 pounds and has played all over the defensive backfield. Per PFF’s metrics, Downs has played 624 snaps in the box, 680 at free safety, and 428 snaps in the slot.
Downs also has punt return experience, averaging a hefty 15.7 yards per return on 12 attempts with two touchdowns.
With the Colts, Josh Downs has established himself as a go-to target in the passing game, and he has been one of the more productive slot receivers in the NFL.
“Whatever team he’s on, I’m not No. 1 fan of that team,” Josh said of Caleb. “When he played for Alabama, I was screaming at the TV, and now he’s on Ohio State, and I was doing the same thing last year.”
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Caleb Downs, brother of Colts WR Josh Downs, a top safety prospect in 2026 NFL draft
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
