One ex-NFL GM says former Ohio State star is not top-10 worthy

Former Ohio State safety Caleb Downs had a productive and celebrated career in college and has shown up as one of the top players in most mock drafts , but there is one former NFL GM who does not think he is worthy of a top-ten pick in next month's NFL draft. Speaking on “The Rich Eisen Show” in early March, former Las Vegas Raiders GM Mike Mayock acknowledged Downs is “a hell of a football player” and a definite first-round selection, but stopped short of labeling him a top-10 talent. “I love him as a player, but I don’t see him as that dynamic difference-maker.

So I don’t see him as a top-10 pick,” Mayock said. Mayock was the Raiders GM from 2019 to 2021, did have a lot of positive things to say about the former Ohio State defensive back. He praised Downs’ football IQ, instincts, and tackling ability.

He mentioned Downs can operate effectively both in the box and as a free safety. However, the veteran evaluator said he isn’t seeing enough “dynamic plays on the ball” to justify a top-10 slot for a safety in this year’s class. The critique comes despite Downs’ decorated college resume .

The 21-year-old junior was the defensive heartbeat of Ohio State’s national championship-winning 2024 squad and earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2025. He is a two-time unanimous All-American and finished his Buckeye career with 257 total tackles, six interceptions, and three forced fumbles. Some analysts argue Mayock’s assessment overlooks the context of Ohio State’s elite secondary, which may have limited Downs’ turnover opportunities.