Over the past few days, one of the main topics amongst Cleveland fans has been whether or not Ohio State safety Caleb Downs would be a legitimate option for the Browns at pick No.6 in the 2026 NFL Draft. Though it’s a very legitimate question, it’s incredibly hard to answer.
If we’re talking about whether or not it’s an “Andrew Berry” type of pick based on sheer value and projections, then it’s a firm yes. If we’re talking about fit from a football perspective or level of need, absolutely not.
Let’s
dive into the valuation part first.
Based on current projections and big board rankings, Downs would be an incredible selection at No.6. Mel Kiper Jr. even had a recent mock draft that had Downs going No.2 to the Jets. We’ve seen AB make interesting picks based solely on value, and though some have definitely worked out, I’m not really sure making a value pick with the sixth overall selection makes sense in 2026.
There’s a very good chance that two of, if not all three of, OT Francis Mauigoa, OT Monroe Freeling, and WR Carnell Tate will be on the board at that spot, and this feels like an incredibly crucial draft for the Browns to address one of their top two needs with their first selection.
Now, onto the schematic standpoint of Caleb Downs in Cleveland.
Though it would undoubtedly be a high-value pick and a player who would be a day one starter for Cleveland at safety, a pretty big change would have to be made to make Downs work in new DC Mike Rutenberg’s secondary.
Downs is very much an in-your-face, downhill safety who would thrive in a role that could be described as somewhat of a “headhunter” who’s great at patrolling the field directly in front of him. The only problem with that? Grant Delpit is already performing at a high level in that type of role for the Browns.
In order to make this idea work, the defensive staff would have to be 110% confident in Delpit’s ability to make the switch to being a full-time coverage safety in a new defense that thrives on physicality from its defensive backs. Rostering two high-level strong safeties sounds great on paper, but from an actual X’s & O’s standpoint, that’s like mixing oil and water.
The biggest concern for NFL scouting departments when it comes to Caleb Downs has been his overall coverage ability and Ohio State’s reasoning for not having him drop into back coverage as much as he probably should have during his time in Columbus. It’s very rare to be concerned with a safety’s ability to go backwards, but it’s a major part of the equation for a defensive back who’s being considered as a top 5-10 pick in the draft.
With all of that being said, if Andrew Berry gives in to his intrusive thoughts, Caleb Downs could very well be the pick, and Browns fans would be pretty excited for the most part. If that happens, though, it begs the question “What now?” in terms of how he’s going to fit in with the current makeup of the defense.
I’m not sure if Cleveland can afford to take that type of player with the sixth overall pick of next month’s draft.
