The 2025 NFL Draft happened just a month ago, but that didn’t stop College Sports Network’s Max Dorsey from diving into a way-too-early 2026 NFL mock draft.
With the draft order set by the PFSN 2026 Mock Draft Simulator, which is live and free to use, the Cleveland Browns were awarded the number one overall pick, taking Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik.
At No. 2, the New York Jets selected Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, leaving Clemson EDGE T.J. Parker at three for the New Orleans Saints, leaving what might be the best player in the draft on the board at four for the Tennessee Titans.
Titans Land Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs in 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Dorsey projected the Titans to take Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 4 overall, calling him the No. 1 overall player in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“Caleb Downs is an elite safety prospect, and as we stand today, my No. 1 overall player in the 2026 NFL Draft. He’s elite in coverage with the ability to play both man and zone at a high level. Downs has a fantastic range and is a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators,” Dorsey said.
“Downs is also great in the run game with great play strength and physical toughness, which allows him to come down in the box and lay the boom. His versatility, along with his coverage ability, makes him a safety worth taking in the top five.”
Downs racked up 107 tackles, three pass defenses, one forced fumble, two interceptions, and an 85-yard punt return touchdown as a freshman in 2023 with Alabama.
Downs transferred from Alabama to Ohio State following his freshman season, which saw him win the SEC Freshman of the Year award and earn second-team All-American and first-team All-SEC honors. He performed even better in the Buckeyes’ 2024 national championship-winning season.
KEEP READING: NFL Draft Analyst Props Up Ohio State’s Caleb Downs as First Defensive Player Off Board in 2026 NFL Draft
Downs earned unanimous All-American honors, the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year award, and first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2024, as he racked up 81 tackles (48 solo), six pass defenses, 0.5 sacks, and two interceptions. Downs also returned punts, taking back a 79-yarder to the house against Indiana in the Buckeyes’ 38-15 win.
This year, expectations will be sky high for Downs. Already cemented as the best safety in college football, the expectation will be to keep the high level of play going. If he does, he should keep himself cemented among the top five picks in the draft.
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