The Ohio State football team has a lot of really good players heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. They have a shot to get as many as five players drafted in the first round, and four of those are from the defensive side of the ball. That's how good the defense was last season.
The Buckeyes had the best scoring defense in the country this past season. Unfortunately for them, they weren't able to make another run at a national championship. The offense is what slowed them down. At any rate, the Buckeyes could have three players go in the top ten.
One of those players is safety Caleb Downs. Downs was clearly the best defensive player in college football. He came into the season as the best defensive player in the country, and he didn't disappoint. Now, one draft analyst thinks he could be the Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Ohio State football player Caleb Downs could be Defensive Rookie of the Year
While speaking on The Ryen Russillo Show, NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay believes that Downs has the potential to make an immediate impact as a rookie, especially if he winds up in Kansas City.
"He might be Defensive Rookie of the Year. If he lands on that Chiefs defense, he can be Defensive Rookie of the Year next year. He could be that impactful."
Downs was Ohio State's best defensive player in the two years that he played for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was used all over the field as a run-stopper, a blitzer, and a great cover guy. Simply put, he was someone who could be used in any role and in any system. He won the Jim Thorpe Award for a reason.
Downs is going to bring that same kind of talent and intellect to the NFL. Whichever team decides to draft him is going to be very happy with the kind of player that they get. He will be a great player for a decade.