NFL draft injury analysis: Caleb Downs, S - Ohio State
· Yahoo Sports
The Lions are in a quandary at the safety position with the uncertain health status of Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. That makes safety a legitimate option in any round of the 2026 NFL draft. The consensus top safety, Caleb Downs, was initially a medically clean prospect until rumors surfaced after the NFL combine. If he slips to the Lions pick at #17, should they grab him?
Visit afsport.lat for more information.
Here is the excerpt of my medical report on Downs which includes an update on his concern level:
Caleb Downs, S (21) - Ohio State
Projected round 1. #1 on Jeff Risdon board Feb 19.
Concern level 1/10. Post-combine 4/10.
- 2025: 14/14 games. Nagging injury limited him in spring practices. He stated: “I’m good for the most part”.
- 2024: 16/16 games
- 2023: 14/14 games
Post-combine update: Significant knee rumors emerged after the combine. Click here for the full analysis of Downs’ possible knee issues. If the knee rumors are accurate, the concern level becomes very high 9/10. I’ll split the difference and raise his concern level to a 4/10.
Age and reliability are excellent for this consensus top safety in the draft, who compiled 6 INT, 12 PBU, and 3 forced fumbles in college.
His recent “nagging” injury will need to be investigated though. While reassuring that he played a full season afterwards, if it’s a cartilage issue, the problem could re-emerge again at some point (see Kerby Joseph).
Would the Lions consider taking him in the 1st round despite urgent needs at OT and EDGE? If Downs is by far the best player available, they should strongly consider it.
For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Jimmy on X, @JimmyLiaoMD
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: NFL draft injury analysis: Caleb Downs, S - Ohio State