Downs Defies Positional Value, Aims for Top NFL Draft Spot

Caleb Downs, a two-time All-American at Ohio State after transferring from Alabama, has positioned himself as a potential top-10 pick despite playing safety, a position rarely valued that highly in the NFL. "At the end of the day it's who's the best defender? It's not positional value, it's who affects the game," Downs stated.

The versatile safety, who can play multiple positions including in the box, deep field, slot, nickel, or dime, points to Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori as an example of how a do-it-all safety can impact a championship team. Downs' combination of talent and versatility could lead him to be one of the highest-drafted safeties in recent history as NFL defenses continue to evolve.