There are plenty of ways an NFL-caliber defensive back can raise his draft stock. For some, strong testing numbers will do it. For others, the chance to showcase their coverage skills in a postseason All-Star game. And sometimes, a guy just needs to remind scouts why he was so valuable to his college team.
Our Caleb Ransaw scouting report examines a prospect who has done the latter. After showcasing unmatched versatility in the Senior Bowl, what’s the former Tulane Green Wave defensive back’s 2025 NFL Draft outlook?
Caleb Ransaw Scouting Report
Size: 5’10 7/8″, 196 pounds (Senior Bowl Verified)
Key Stat: Logged over 175 career snaps in each of the following alignments: Outside corner, slot corner, box safety, and off-ball linebacker
Projected Role: Defensive chess piece in a multiple defensive scheme
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Strengths:
- Versatility, versatility, versatility; experience at all four defensive back positions
- Fluid, effortless mover
- Excellent short-area quickness
- High Football I.Q.
- Long speed to recover
- Experienced in man and zone coverages
- Decent tackler, wraps up well
- Technical in coverage, good hips and footwork
- Physical, especially for size; completely unafraid of contact
Areas to Improve:
- Hit-or-miss in press coverage
- Doesn’t appeal to teams looking for scheme-specific player
- Below-average arm-length at corner, below-average weight at safety
- Non-elite lateral agility
Ceiling: Key defensive Swiss Army Knife
Floor: Positionless defender who can back up multiple spots
Caleb Ransaw 2025 NFL Draft Outlook
Caleb Ransaw is without a doubt the most versatile defensive prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. For me as an evaluator, that means both his draft projection and range of outcomes in the NFL are going to be wider than the average prospect.
Ransaw started his career with the Troy Trojans before following Jon Sumrall to Tulane in 2024, playing the entire season at the Green Wave’s unique “Spear” position. That required him to play at slot corner, box safety, linebacker and even on the edge, where he lined up on the line of scrimmage outside the tackle over 300 times as a senior.
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That versatility isn’t a secret. While he played less safety in college, he was listed at that position at the Senior Bowl, practicing at both free and strong safety throughout the week.
During the actual game, Ransaw lined up in the slot, out wide, at free safety and at strong safety in the same drive (and capped it with an interception).
That versatility won’t appeal to every team. Many defensive coaches prefer scheme-specific defenders that they envision playing a strict role. That won’t be the case for Ransaw, who will fit best with a team that plays in multiple alignments. A few come to mind that would be perfect fits.
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Ransaw’s physicality is somewhat surprising at his size, but he’s a stout 196 and can lay the boom. He likely needs to improve in man coverage before truly thriving in the NFL, but the tools — both mental and physical — are there. It won’t hurt that he has good athleticism and will likely test well at the NFL Combine.
Bottom Line: Ransaw’s scheme versatility and ability to play multiple positions can be a blessing or a curse, both to his potential draft position and his NFL outlook. His floor is lower, because a team has to have a plan for him. Still, at worst, his ability to play multiple spots makes him a valuable bottom-of-the-roster guy.
At best, though, he lands with a team that lets him move around, instead of trying to fit him into a cookie-cutter mold. There, he can shine. He’s not for everyone, but it only takes one team to like him enough to take him early.
Ransaw heard early last season that a few teams really liked him, so I think he’s going to go early than his consensus ranking seems to indicate. If not, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him fall a bit. Hence, the wide projection.
Draft Projection: Round 2-Round 6
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