Main Image: Samantha Madar Imagn Images

Is the Best Defensive Prospect in the Draft…a Safety?

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Ethan Tavel | Last updated Sep 2, 2025 6:09 PM ET

More often than not, the best defensive player in an NFL draft is an edge rusher. Names such as Travon Walker and Abdul Carter come to mind as recent examples. Occasionally, a linebacker takes that title—like Will Anderson. Rarely, it’s a cornerback, as with Jeff Okudah. But when was the last time a safety was selected in the draft as the top defensive prospect? Chances are, no one can remember—because it hasn’t happened since 2004.

Now, Ohio State’s star safety, Caleb Downs, has a real chance to break that trend and become the first safety in over 20 years to be drafted as the top defensive player.

Could a Safety be the Best Defensive Prospect in the Draft?

Caleb Downs: College Football’s Best Defensive Player

Caleb Downs is a junior at The Ohio State University, where he spent the past season after beginning his career with Alabama. Since his collegiate debut, Downs has been named,

First-team All-SEC (2023)
SEC Freshman of the Year (2023)
Second-team All-American (2023)
First-team All-Big Ten (2024)
Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year (2024)
Unanimous All-American (2024)

Since his freshman year, Downs has recorded,

188 Total Tackles (118 Solo, 70 Assisted)
0.5 sacks
1 forced fumble
2 interceptions
3 pass deflections
2 kick return touchdowns

Caleb Downs 2023 Highlights | Alabama

Caleb Downs | 2024 Highlights

As a player, Downs’ high football intelligence, instincts, and versatility make him one of a kind. He’s able to excel at any role in the secondary and as a punt-returner. Downs doesn’t lack much as a prospect. His concerns don’t stem from ability, but rather refining certain traits—such as choosing when to gamble for interceptions and tightening up his deep zone coverage.

As a prospect, Downs has everything a team could want in a safety. His versatility and instincts set him far apart from every other defensive player in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

The Case for Downs as the First Defensive Pick

T.J. Parker and Peter Woods headline Clemson’s defensive front and are among the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. Both juniors are proven to be relentless pass rushers who are poised to make their presence felt in the NFL. However, each of them has their own set of weaknesses. Unlike Downs, whose refinements are minor, Parker and Woods’ weaknesses can be exploited at the next level.

Both Parker and Woods have a tendency to get sloppy in their pass rush, allowing blockers to take them out of the play. That’s never the case with Downs, whose refined fundamentals and instincts keep him effective from start to finish.

Compared to other defensive prospects, Downs stands out as both the most pro-ready and the one with the highest ceiling. His instincts and versatility are a big part of that, but his track record of dominance since his freshman year proves he’s prepared for the NFL. By the end of this college football season, expect Caleb Downs to not just be the top defensive prospect—expect him to redefine what an NFL team can demand from a safety.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: