Caleb Downs: Saints' Top Draft Pick for Secondary

0:00On March 26, the New Orleans Saints' defense made a big turnaround in 2025 under new coordinator Brandon Staley, finishing 9th, overall and 4th against the pass. A young secondary with four new starters played a huge role featuring second-year corner. Kool-Aid McKinsey, rookie Quincy Riley, rookie safety Jonas, Sanger, and free agent Justin Reed. Now with Versatile Defender Alan Tai Taylor Gone in Free Agency, the team is looking at Ohio State's safety Caleb Downs as a top replacement in the bus. 2026 NFL Draft. Downs stand six feet tall and weighs 206 pounds. He started at Alabama where he earned freshman honors with 70 solo tackles, two picks, and three and a half tackles for loss. After transferring to Ohio State, he helped them win a national title and picked up back to back all American nods, plus the Latrophy and Jim. Thorpe Award. Fans and analysts see Downs as a perfect fit to boost the St. Secondary and overall defense. His versatility shines in man

1:06or zone coverage from deep safety to the slot or even in the box with quick reads, strong tackling and great speed to close on plays. Medical checks are the main watch point after a partially torn meniscus showed up at the combine, though ACL rumors got shot down. His aggressiveness sometimes leads to fakes fooling him and he can struggle with bigger tight ends, but if his health clears, he's a lock for the top. 10 and likely the first defensive back off the board. For the Saints, picking downs at number 8 overall could recreate Taylor's multi-role impact alongside Reed, Sanker, and others locking down the back end for years to come. I'm Cory with the story that's your NFL News Today update. AI powered and always on.