Ohio State safety Caleb Downs selected in first round of NFL draft

The top four guys we felt would go early for Ohio State in this year's NFL draft are all off the board after Caleb Downs was selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the No. 11 pick. It's actually a little later than most believed the Swiss Army Knife would fall, and it must have surprised Dallas owner Jerry Jones and company as well, because they traded up to get him.

Downs transferred to Ohio State from Alabama after his freshman season, and he became a Buckeye legend by helping lead the team to its national championship after the 2024 season. Ohio State's own website says that Downs is regarded by many as the best defensive player in the country, and it's hard to argue with that.

With Downs' speed, strength, and football instincts, he is already a potential elite defensive back in the NFL. And with his clear leadership abilities that he showed on the field, even as an underclassman in 2024, he is exactly the type of top player that NFL teams are looking for.

We are keeping track of all the 2026 NFL draft picks, including when Ohio State players go off the board in the first round, so be sure to check back with us.

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