Caleb Downs: NFL’s Top Talent Heads to Top 10 Pick

Caleb Downs: NFL’s Top Talent Heads to Top 10 Pick

Forget waiting around. Multiple NFL teams have made it crystal clear: Caleb Downs won’t be available when the Dallas Cowboys are on the clock at pick 12. The word from the league is loud and clear – Downs is a lock for a top-10 selection in the upcoming NFL Draft.

This news comes as a surprise to some who believe the safety position is often devalued in high draft picks. However, experts suggest that the lack of standout, “blue-chip” prospects in this year’s draft class changes the game. With only a few truly elite talents available, teams are looking to grab game-changing players, regardless of position.

The Safety Situation

While teams typically avoid using top-10 picks on safeties because they don’t command the same big contracts as other positions, Downs is different. He’s seen as an exception. Scouts and coaches have been calling him a Hall of Famer since they first saw him play. This kind of praise, coming from respected figures like Nick Saban and Matt Patricia, shows just how special teams believe he is.

“The second you draft Caleb Downs, he becomes the smartest player on your defense and he becomes the face of your franchise.”

That’s the strong opinion shared by Matt Patricia, a former NFL defensive coordinator. He emphasized that Downs has acted like a professional for years, doing everything the right way. This maturity and skill set make him incredibly valuable right now, not just for the future.

The way football is played today might also be boosting the value of safeties and linebackers. With offenses using more receivers, teams need defensive players who can cover a lot of ground and make smart plays. Players like Nick Emanari for Seattle and Cooper DeJean for the Eagles have shown how important these positions can be.

If Downs is indeed picked in the top 10, it could create a historic “safety run” in the first round. Other talented safeties like the Oregon Duck player (potentially going as high as 10-12) and Toledo’s McNeel Warren (possible top 15 pick) could also be selected early. This would be a first for the NFL draft.

Top Cornerbacks on the Board

Moving to the cornerback position, the debate is heating up about who will be the first one off the board. While Delain from LSU is a strong contender, McCoy from Tennessee is showing he’s healthy and has impressed many. Some reports suggest McCoy might even sneak into the top spot.

McCoy had a standout season in 2024, but a serious injury in January 2025 and skipping the combine have raised some concerns. However, his performance at his pro day, including a solid 40-yard dash, has kept him in the conversation. Film from 2024 shows him playing better than Delain, and he’s described as more physically built for the demanding cornerback role.

“If you are talking about film 2024, it’s better than anything Delane’s put on film,” one analyst noted. McCoy’s physicality, length, and size make him a desirable “hawking corner.”

Despite the medical red flags, the decision between McCoy and Delain might come down to which team is willing to take a risk on McCoy’s health. The third potential first-round cornerback is Chris Johnson from San Diego State, who has impressed greatly during the pre-draft process.

Other Standouts

D’Angelo Ponds is another player generating buzz. He’s known for making big plays in important games and has the speed to back it up, running a blazing 4.31 40-yard dash at his pro day. This kind of explosive performance makes him a strong candidate to be selected high in the draft.

Source: "Caleb Downs Is A Top 10 Pick, & The Entire NFL Knows It" – The Most Accurate Mock Drafter (YouTube)