The New York Jets should not overlook Caleb Downs

Over the last few weeks, the consensus for most draft boards has been that Arvell Reese or David Bailey is the choice for the New York Jets at No. 2. One of the top pass rushers in the draft will be the team’s pick.

But are Reese and Bailey the best defensive players in the draft?

That moniker might be best given to Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. The All-American was the Buckeyes best defensive player in 2025 and has the ability to be an in-the-box safety as well as a ballhawk deep in coverage.

Reese’s upside and Sonny Styles instincts make them tantalizing prospects.

But neither has been as dominant as Downs has been, and it begs the question for the Jets: If the team is truly going after the best overall player of the class, are they better served going after the top safety?

Jets’ greatest needs

If the NFL draft came before free agency, there would have been a large contingent of Jets fans who would have prayed Downs would be the pick.

That isn’t the case, though. New York acquired former All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in a trade and also signed Dane Belton in free agency. The two additions fundamentally change how the Jets’ safety room looks in 2026.

Does that mean Downs isn’t worthy of a top pick anymore? Not a chance.

For Fitzpatrick’s extension and Belton’s contract, Gang Green needs top players on their defense. It doesn’t matter where they come from – they need performers who can be versatile in their new scheme and have a penchant for making big plays.

Whether that’s a safety, linebacker, or edge rusher is irrelevant. New York needs stars, and Downs is an undoubted star in this class.

The Caleb Downs effect

There are some transcendent players in the draft that are just better than the overall perception of their position. Luke Kuechly is a perfect example of that. So is a current All-Pro like Kyle Hamilton.

That’s why one ESPN analyst believes Downs should be in consideration for the Jets when they make their second overall pick.

“Not basing this on the Jets’ needs, but just in general, one player that I love is Caleb Downs at Ohio State,” said Jordan Reid. “I think he’s just such a clean evaluation. He’s one of the smartest safeties that I’ve ever evaluated.”

One of New York’s biggest problems on defense last season was its inability to create turnovers. They were the only team in NFL history to not force an interception for the entire year.

Downs has six throughout his college career. It’s why he remains a force that might just be the perfect fit for the Jets.

“It’s very rare to see a player have such a high quality of success that he had at two blue-blood programs, at Alabama and then transitioning on to Ohio State,” Reid said. “Very sure tackler. He has the ball production that you love to see at the position as well.”

New York is most likely going to take an edge rusher with the second overall pick. No one would criticize that thought process either. They have serious needs when it comes to getting after the quarterback.

However, stars don’t grow on trees. If there’s a prospect that seems like a lock to become a star, Caleb Downs is the guy.