NFL
Caleb Downs Draft Slide Gathers Pace as NFL Teams Temper Early First-Round Hype
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Ohio State v Michigan by Luke Hales | Getty Images
Wasn’t that long ago that draft analysts in the media were talking about Ohio State safety Caleb Downs as one of the prized prospects in this draft and mocking him as a top five player.
Now that the draft is nearly here, Downs is a player that NFL executive are projecting to go much lower than that.
Downs hasn’t done anything to alter the perception and it’s not a reflection on him. But the comparisons being thrown around in mock draft circles just weren’t grounded in reality and his skillset is more limited than was being presented.
He may not be able to create dynamic plays at all three levels like recent first-round safety Kyle Hamilton and his ceiling is not as high, according to execs from teams.
“Downs is a good football player and he’s incredibly smart and sound,” said one evaluator who watched a lot of Ohio State football.
“I’m not sure he’s this ‘Ultimate Chess Piece’ the way he was being hyped up. (Ohio State linebacker) Sonny Styles is that guy for that team. I like Downs a lot, but I like all three of those safeties.”
Where Could He Land?
Some are suggesting Downs as a possible trade option for the Cowboys, who are desperate for secondary help, but it’s far from certain that would be necessary, with some suggesting to me Downs has a vert good chance of being there for Dallas at pick 12.
Furthermore, one GM said that he believes Dallas would take a top corner like LSU’s Mansoor Delane or Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy over Downs if he’s there.
“And if that happens, then you tell me where he goes, Minnesota (18)?” the GM said. “Are we positive he is the first safety?”
It’s hard to positive of much this time of year, but this is a strong safety class and three will go in the first round, but it’s conceivable not at all in the order most would have suggested a few weeks ago.
La Canfora has covered over 20 Super Bowls and League Meetings and NFL drafts, building a wide network of sources throughout all aspects of the game. He was an award winning print journalist as well, working at The Detroit Free Press and The Baltimore Sun prior to his first stint at The Washington Post. He has covered sporting events around the world, including two Winter Olympics and all of the 2006 World Cup. He attended his first NFL game in 1978, and would soon kindle what has become a lifelong love and appreciation of the sport. La Canfora is also a professional handicapper, specializing in the NFL, creating a daily sports wagering game show - "Wanna Bet?" He also hosts nationally broadcast NFL radio shows in the US, as well as a daily sports radio show in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland.