Caleb Downs
SAFOhio State
Projected
Top 10
Height
6' 0"
Weight
205 lbs
Age
21.1
Year
Jr
Games
42
Snaps
2,354
Scheme
Versatile
Role
TBD
Player Summary
Downs brings 3 years of starting exp including high-stakes games and a National Title, brings strong productivity. A versatile defender, he excels in run support with twitchy C.O.D., body control, and open-field tackling to mirror slashing runners and limit perimeter gains, while his elite instincts, read-and-react skills, and awareness allow him to process route combos, deny leverage in off-man coverage, stay sticky in transitions, and disrupt plays near the LOS without frequent false steps or susceptibility to misdirection. In coverage, he shows fluid hips in man, excellent range and burst to cover ground or close, and the ability to limit yards after catch, though he occasionally focuses too much on receivers rather than locating the ball, lacks ideal length for contesting jump balls downfield, and may struggle with larger "Y" tight ends. Drawbacks include below-average size/strength , inconsistent wrap-up , a tendency to gamble downhill, and hints of caution that reduce plays on the ball.
Strengths
• 3 Year Starter since Freshman • Excellent Tackler, esp. in open Field • Elite instincs, read & react • Superb range, speed, movement • Rare coverage ability for Safety • Anticipates Routes, Mirrors, Prevents Seperation • Vocal Leader, Grinder • Experienced/Successful Against Top Programs
Weaknesses
• Undersized, May Affect Tackling NFL • Pursuit Angles Could Improve • Gambles too often •
Accolades
• 2024 All American • 2024 Big 10 DBOTY