By Joe Horn’s Cellphone (Follow @JoeHornsPhone on X)
The positional value of the NFL Draft is always evolving, and the 2026 draft could be a great example of that shift.
For the better part of the last decade, teams picking in the top 10 have prioritized premium positions: quarterback, edge rusher, and offensive tackle. Occasionally a blue-chip running back sneaks into that range — and this year Notre Dame star Jeremiyah Love is generating some buzz as a potential top-five pick.
But one position almost never hears its name called that early: Safety.
In fact, the last Safety taken inside the top 10 was Jamal Adams, who went 6th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. If you want the last time a safety cracked the top five, you have to go back to Eric Berry in the 2010 NFL Draft. Before that? Sean Taylor in the 2004 NFL Draft.
The point is simple: Safeties rarely go that high unless they’re truly special.
Enter Caleb Downs.
Standing at 6 feet and 205 pounds, Downs doesn’t have the overwhelming size you might associate with a generational defensive back. What he does have, however, is something you can’t teach — elite instincts and closing speed that jump off the film.
Downs plays the position like a heat-seeking missile.
He can play deep, roll into the box, blitz off the edge, or erase mistakes in coverage. In today’s NFL, where defensive coordinators crave versatility, Downs is the definition of a chess piece.
And if there’s one coach who knows how to maximize a safety’s versatility, it’s Brandon Staley.
During Staley’s time with the Los Angeles Rams, safety John Johnson III had a breakout season in 2020 within Staley’s defensive scheme. Staley also helped unlock the full potential of Derwin James with the Los Angeles Chargers, turning him into a multi-time All-Pro.
Now imagine what he could do with Caleb Downs.
With the departures of Tyrann Mathieu and, more recently, Demario Davis, the New Orleans Saints defense is searching for its next leader — someone who can anchor the unit and set the tone.
Downs has that kind of presence.
Draft analyst Dane Brugler describes him as:
“A human missile. Downs jumps off the tape because of his fast, competitive play style. He is one of the better safeties I have ever evaluated.”
That’s high praise from someone who has studied thousands of prospects.
Safety is also a position where many prospects excel in only one area. Some are ball hawks. Others are physical tacklers. Some are elite athletes but still raw in coverage.
Downs does all of it.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz spoke with league executives during the Texas–Ohio State game earlier this season and gathered some telling comments about Downs:
“Flawless instincts.”
“Highly intelligent.”
“Scary closing speed.”
Meanwhile, NFL reporter Albert Breer went even further:
“I feel comfortable saying Caleb Downs is the best football player in the 2026 draft class.”
That’s not just praise — that’s a statement.
Critics may point to Downs’ size, but turn on the tape and you’ll see a violent tackler who rarely misses in the open field. The two-time All-American finished his college career with 3 forced fumbles, 6 interceptions, and 164 solo tackles.
More importantly, he changes games.
Teams picking in the top 10 often draft for positional need. But sometimes the smartest move is simply taking the best football player on the board.
If the Saints are on the clock at No. 8 and Caleb Downs is still available, the decision might be easier than people think.
And here’s one final detail Saints fans will love:
Caleb Downs grew up a Saints fan.