NFL Insider: Caleb Downs Soaring in Draft

0:00On April 14, ESPN NFL Insider, Peter Schrager, just revamped his 2026 draft projection after hearing straight from lead teams. Last week he had Ohio State safety, Caleb Downes sliding to 12th overall with the Dallas Cowboys, but now he's calling it no chance that happens. Teams say Downes is top 10 material, maybe even higher. Downes started as a 5 star recruit at Alabama, leading them in tackles as a true freshman. After Nick Sabin retired, he transferred to Ohio State and locked down their number one ranked defense over two seasons. Dudes a playmaker everywhere, 150 tackles, 12.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks and 4 picks. On the Pat McAfee show, Schrager got pushback from Packer's legend AJ Hawk about safety's not going high in the draft. But he shut that down, quick. Teams aren't worried about position, they've told him Downes is too good to let slip. Wood makes Downes special, he's one of just four blue chip prospects in the class. That group includes Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, projected number one to the Las Vegas Raiders, Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love, and Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, all expected top 10 locks.

1:13Teams picking early might skip reaching for Lyman or Corners and grab Downes instead, boosting their squad instantly. If the Cowboys want him, they'll need to trade up from 12, but this feedback cements his spot among the elite.