Arizona Cardinals
Face of the Franchise
Cardinals 2026 NFL draft target: S Caleb Downs
Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/n...cardinals-2026-nfl-draft-target-s-caleb-downs
With the Cardinals out of playoff contention, our focus shifts to the offseason. So over the next few months, we are going to be taking a look at a handful of prospects leading up to the 2026 NFL draft.
With Arizona having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team precisely.
Today, I take a look at Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.
Vitals
Height: 6-0
Weight: 205
College Bio Page
Stats
Elevator pitch
A defensive coordinator’s dream, Downs has the instincts, coverage versatility, physicality and communication skills to be a high-end starter with All-Pro upside at the next level, though he’ll need to limit the overaggression when in pursuit at times.
Strengths
Good eyes and trusts his keys when reading the quarterback and watching route concepts play out in front of him…Processes well and can transition quickly to find and make a play on the football at the catch point…Displays good foot quickness and athleticism to carry receivers and tight ends to all areas of the field…Constantly visibly communicating with his teammates…Shows a lot of aggression and physicality when coming downhill…Good wrap-up tackler in open space…Versatile to play the deep parts of the field, in the slot, or in the box, and looks comfortable in each role…Allowed zero touchdowns on 336 coverage snaps in 2025…Special teams upside as a punt returner.
Weaknesses
Aggressive in support, as he puts his foot in the ground and explodes downhill, which leaves him prone to overpursuit at times…Okay take-on skills, but plenty of room for improvement in this area…Limited experience as a true single-high deep safety.
Awards
- Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (2025)
- Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year (2024, 2025)
- Unanimous All-American (2024)
- CFP National Champion (2024)
- SEC Freshman of the Year (2023)
- Tatum-Woodson Award (Big Ten DB of the Year) (2024, 2025)
- Nagurski-Woodson Award (Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year) (2025)
- Thorpe Award, Nagurski Trophy, Bednarik Award Finalist (2024, 2025)
Red flags
N/A
Fit likelihood
Mid-High: While not a glaring need, like the offensive line, Jalen Thompson is set to hit the free agency market, and Budda Baker is not getting any younger. Downs would be an impact starter and a cornerstone defender for the Cardinals, with Pro Bowl potential right out the gate.
Grade
Top-10
Highlights
Ohio State’s Caleb Downs is one of my favorite college football players in a really, really long time.
Gonna be a phenomenal pro in large part due to his sensational football instincts. Case in point:pic.twitter.com/CGrrSDCw1E https://t.co/ScvGT1qbM7
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 23, 2025
Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/n...cardinals-2026-nfl-draft-target-s-caleb-downs
