Caleb Downs was one of the best Ohio State football players in recent years. His ability on the defensive side of the ball helped the Buckeyes win a national title in 2024. He won the Jim Thorpe Award for the best defensive back in the country this past season.
Downs has become perhaps the best player that Ryan Day has ever grabbed from the Transfer Portal. Now, he is preparing for the NFL Draft, where he is projected to be a top-five pick. Despite the fact that he is a safety, he is one of the biggest game-changers available.
As one of the top defensive prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, Downs has a lot of suitors. In fact, Harbaugh seems to be interested in bringing him to his team. John Harbaugh, that is. The new coach of the New York Giants seems very interested in bringing Downs to New York.
Ohio State safety could get drafted by a Harbaugh
Mike Francesa has been around the New York media scene for multiple decades. He has mentioned that Jim Harbaugh could be interested in drafting Downs to the Giants in his first season as New York's head coach. He asked Harbaugh what his thoughts are on Downs on The Mike Francesa Podcast.
"Big fan. You know, you mentioned Brian Dawkins. I got a chance to coach him, so we favor Hall of Fame safeties. If we have the chance to draft a potential future Hall of Fame safety in Caleb Downs, that would be just fine with me."
Downs is certainly one of the best safeties to come out in the Draft in recent years. Not only is he one of the best safeties, but he's one of the best defensive players, period. Only fellow Buckeye Arvell Reese might be better. The whole top of the draft is filled with Ohio State Buckeyes.
If Downs is drafted by the Giants, Harbaugh can ask his brother Jim about him. Jim faced him once when Downs was a member of Alabama in a bowl game.