It might be the most heated debate in the NFL draft world right now.
Can you take a safety with the second overall pick?
People are only talking about it because Ohio State’s Caleb Downs is that great a prospect.
The New York Jets are expected to take the first non-quarterback of the 2026 NFL draft, after Fernando Mendoza presumably goes first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Many of the favorites to be taken by New York at No. 2 are prospects at premium positions. We’ve already broken down the film of four of the top options: edge rushers Arvell Reese, Rueben Bain Jr., and David Bailey, and wide receiver Carnell Tate.
Safety is not considered to be as important a position as edge rusher or wide receiver in today’s NFL. But is Downs a special enough prospect to break the mold and be selected over those four aforementioned prospects?
That’s what we’re here to find out today.
Forget the stats. Forget the accolades. What does the All-22 film say? Does it show the next Ed Reed, as many say?
On the latest episode of Blewett’s Blitz, we analyze Downs’ 2025 performances against Texas, Penn State, Michigan, Indiana, and Miami.
Below is the full Caleb Downs scouting report (strengths and weaknesses) and film review.
Strengths:
- Good angles as a tackler
- Violent player
- Smart
- Processes quickly
- Breaks down well in space
- Hit power
- Baits QBs in zone
- Good at reading route combos
- Heavy communicator
- Chess piece
- Overall athleticism
- Acceleration
- Can line up in man coverage
- Stays square in off coverage
- Looks for work, refuses to cover grass
- Re-routes well in underneath zones
- Slips blocks well (mostly)
- Likes to throw shots
- Click and close in run game
- Potential as blitzer
- Good range (didn’t see enough reps to say “great”)
- Awareness
Weaknesses:
- Can try to deliver big hit too often
- Can stare at QB for too long
- Wanted to see more MOF sideline-to-sideline reps to determine range
- Lack of man reps vs. slot WRs
- Feet can get a little inactive in off man
- Can be an “ankle biter” as a tackler
- Can leave feet as tackler
- Could shed blocks with more consistency
- Can gamble for INTs (not always a bad thing)
More NFL draft film reviews:
