Ohio State coach Matt Patricia’s Caleb Downs revelations leave ESPN reporter taken aback

The NFL Draft starts with the first round on Thursday night. Former Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs is expected to hear his name called on Thursday, potentially as the first defensive back taken in the 2026 draft.

As the draft approaches, Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia spoke on Caleb Downs, and his revelations left ESPN’s Dan Graziano taken aback.

“But there were two things Patricia told me about Downs that jumped out, as I hadn’t heard them before,” Graziano wrote.

The first was about the impact that Downs could have on special teams.

“First, he’s the best punt returner in the draft,” Patricia said.

Downs did not return punts in 2025, but did so in 2023 at Alabama and 2024 at Ohio State. In both seasons, he returned a punt for a touchdown. The second revelation was about where Downs could play on defense.

“Patricia also said Downs has more ability to play the slot defender role than his usage by the Buckeyes in 2025 indicates. Patricia pointed to their 20-13 win over Penn State in 2024, when Downs covered eventual first-round tight end Tyler Warren and held him to just four catches for 47 yards,” Graziano continued.

Downs, who was a 2025 consensus All-American and winner of both the Jim Thorpe Award and Ronnie Lott Trophy, lined up all over the field in his time at Ohio State and Alabama. While primarily a free safety, he covered players in the slot, dropped into the box to help with the run, and could even rush the passer. As one of the most versatile defenders in the draft, he will be highly sought after.

The latest mock draft by ClutchPoints has Downs being selected tenth overall by the Cincinnati Bengals. The NFL Draft begins Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.

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