While the Tennessee Titans have a decent defense already, their secondary has some glaring weak spots that need attention. After the 2024 NFL season, in which the Titans had questionable pass coverage, the team is looking forward to making big changes in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Projections analysts, including our in-house experts, point to a versatile Ohio State standout who could transform their backfield and bring stability to a unit desperate for playmakers.
Caleb Downs Could Be The Defensive Ace That The Titans Are Looking For
Our latest 2026 mock draft predicts that the Tennessee Titans could select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, a player dubbed a “do-it-all” talent.
Downs, who transferred from Alabama, has been a defensive dynamo, racking up 81 tackles, two interceptions, and 33 assisted tackles in 2024. His rare blend of instincts, athleticism, and ball skills makes him a projected top-10 pick and an instant upgrade for Tennessee’s secondary.
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Tennessee’s defensive line, anchored by Jeffrey Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat, held its own in 2024, with Arden Key and Sebastian Joseph-Day adding depth. But the secondary struggled, allowing an average of 6.8 yards per pass attempt, among the worst in the AFC. Cornerbacks and safeties were often out of position, and the unit lacked a true ballhawk.
Downs, with his impressive range and football IQ, could be the answer to this situation.
Downs excels in run support and thrives in coverage with a 91.2 PFF coverage grade. His punt return ability, averaging 16.3 yards per return in 2024, adds a lot of value to the line.
Downs’s performance also earned him the Big Ten Conference’s Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year award.
Titans head coach Brian Callahan, known for his offensive play style, can highly benefit from a defensive star like Downs. His ability to play both free and strong safety offers strategic flexibility, allowing defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson to get creative with blitzes and disguises.
However, drafting a safety early has some risks, as positional value often favors edge rushers or quarterbacks. Downs’ 5’11”, 203-pound frame, while agile, may face challenges against bigger NFL tight ends.
Still, his technical precision and football IQ may be enough to justify picking him up. Tennessee must also address cornerback depth to complement Downs, as a single safety can’t fix the entire secondary.
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