Caleb Downs landing spots: Which team will be the first to take blue chip safety in top 10 in nearly 10 years?
CBS Sports
by
Garrett Podell
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Caleb Downs, a two-time unanimous All-American safety from Ohio State, is poised to make history as the first safety drafted in the top 10 since Jamal Adams in 2017. With CBS Sports ranking him as the seventh-best overall prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft class, Downs has showcased elite skills over his college career, earning the Jim Thorpe Award for the best defensive back in 2025. His ability to contribute as a tackle disruptor, blitzer, and reliable defender makes him a versatile asset for any team looking to bolster its secondary. As the draft approaches, several teams are in contention to land Downs, with potential spots including the New York Giants (No. 5), Cincinnati Bengals (No. 10), Miami Dolphins (No. 11), and Dallas Cowboys (No. 12). Each of these teams has unique needs that could be addressed by adding a player of Downs' caliber.
The New York Giants, under new head coach John Harbaugh, have a history of investing in star safety talent. With a struggling defense ranked 26th in scoring in 2025, the Giants could turn to Downs to anchor their secondary. His leadership and All-Pro potential align with the team's focus on building a dominant defensive unit. Similarly, the Cincinnati Bengals, who ranked third-worst in scoring defense last season, are in need of immediate help. Downs' versatility as a safety/nickel defender would allow him to fill multiple roles, addressing the Bengals' defensive struggles across the board.
The Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys also present strong cases for selecting Downs. The Dolphins, rebuilding under new management, are looking ahead to future success with a young roster. Pairing Downs with All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick would create one of the league's most formidable safety tandems.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/26/2026