Beyond helping Ryan Day build one of the most, if not the most, dominant defenses in the country, Matt Patricia has proven time and time again why he is the best defensive coordinator out there.
Most recently, as the Buckeyes flooded the 2026 NFL Draft, Patricia flexed his prowess and knowledge of the game once again.
When Ohio State safety Caleb Downs was taken 11th overall by the Dallas Cowboys, he seemed to already know the defense he was going to be a part of.
"The Eagles' defense," Downs said. "Now we know it."
"We talked about it last night. You know it. Talked to Schotty about it last night," Patricia said in response, referring to Dallas head coach Brian Schottenheimer. "You're ready to go."
Caleb Downs knows Dallas's defensive scheme thanks to Matt Patricia
Now, why would Downs mention one of the Cowboys' division rivals after hearing his name called? Well, of course, Dallas and Schottenheimer just added Christian Parker as the team's defensive coordinator.
Parker came to Dallas after just spending time at the Philadelphia Eagles' passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach, the exact position Downs plays.
While there may have been indications and rumors that Downs was going to Dallas, there was no real way to know that another team wouldn't have picked him up earlier in the first round.
Yet, Patricia had already prepared his young safety to enter Parker's defensive scheme, which the Cowboys are expected to run in the upcoming season.
Caleb Downs on draft night with Ohio St DC Matt Patricia...
— Bobby Belt (@BobbyBeltTX) April 30, 2026
Downs: "The Eagles defense. Now we know it."
Patricia: "We talked about it last night. You know it. Talked to Schotty about it last night. You're ready to go." pic.twitter.com/VjZ2ZT2wUQ
Patricia joined the Buckeyes' coaching staff in 2025, just weeks after Day led Ohio State to its National Championship victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Where did he come from? Well, none other than the Philadelphia Eagles, having a dominant assistant coaching career in the NFL, including securing three Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots.
Also read: Ohio State DC Matt Patricia reveals why he signed his massive contract extension
Simply put, Patricia knows football, and it is already paying its dividends for the Ohio State Buckeyes... his prediction for Downs' spot in the NFL Draft was just the latest example.
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