Ohio State star Caleb Downs reveals his X-factor ahead of DB Combine drills

Here’s what the Buckeyes’ star had to say when he faced the media at the Combine.

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Considered by many a lock to be the first safety selected in the first round, Downs’ résumé is unparalleled among defensive backs in the 2026 Draft class.

When the winner of the Jim Thorpe Award, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and a two-time unanimous All-American speaks, NFL executives, media and fans tend to listen.

Add in a Lott Trophy and a National Championship, and his words carry even greater weight.

Downs' talents will be on display tonight, as evaluators test, prod and more than likely, applaud every step he takes in DB drills at the Combine.

At 6'0" and 205 pounds, Downs is far from the safety archetype of old, when hulking defensive backs were built primarily for the run-heavy nature of NFL offenses.

The 21-year-old is instead an adaptable chess piece, equally adept at shedding would-be blockers to stuff the run as he is roaming the secondary as a deep centre-fielder to stifle pass-happy offenses.

Modern defensive coordinators covet that versatility, especially when it is executed at a high level. Downs knows it.

“Being able to play multiple positions is what makes people useful, it makes people special,” Downs explained.

“Being able to play in the box, the deep part of the field, slot, nickel or dime, I think that makes people unique.”

While positional value debates often surround safeties relative to other positions, Downs believes his ability to impact the game should transcend any preconceptions.

“At the end of the day, it’s who affects the game,” he said. “If you affect the game in a lot of ways, that’s what’s most important.”

Downs also referenced some of the former greats he studies and hopes to emulate.

Tonight, the former captain of Ohio State’s defense - the nation’s top scoring unit - takes his first steps toward proving he belongs in the same conversation as his heroes.

Other players and storylines to follow

More details on the players turning heads at the Combine and the storylines dominating the headlines can be found here.

Prospect highlights for the likes of Fernando Mendoza, Kayden McDonald, Makai Lemon, and more can be found here for Game Pass subscribers.

Follow this link for our latest first-round mock draft, with explanations for each team's pick.

Other offseason dates

A complete list of other offseason events and dates can be found here.