2026 NFL draft: Ohio State S Caleb Downs compared to Budda Baker

Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker is one of the best safeties in the game. Cardinals fans know that. He is a unique player.

One high-ranking 2026 NFL draft prospect is getting compared to Baker. ESPN's Matt Miller has 12 prospects with true first-round grades . One is Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.

Miller's player comp for Downs is Baker. If you could create the ideal safety prospect, it would look like Downs. The 6-foot, 206-pounder is an elite open-field tackler with the closing speed to run down ball carriers and dominate angles in space.

Downs can do it all, often lining up in multiple assignments depending on where the defense needs him. His four interceptions the past two seasons speak to his ball skills but also to the fact that offenses avoid him. One rival offensive coach told me that they identify Downs on pre-snaps over a linebacker or key pass rusher -- he's that impactful.