One GM says another defensive back's instincts and "freaky plays" eclipse Ohio State's touted safety for the top 2026 prospect.
The Ohio State Buckeyes have a trio of defenders that are getting substantial buzz before the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night.
Edge rusher Arvell Reese, linebacker Sonny Styles, and safety Caleb Downs are thought to be likely taken in the top 10.
All three defenders were a key part of the Ohio State defense last year. Reese appears to have the most upside, but he'll have to be developed in the league to become a dominant pass-rusher.
Styles and Downs are likely to be the most ready to be elite contributors in Week 1.
Downs is something of an outlier. Usually, NFL teams don't consider taking a safety in the top 10, but his skills are off the charts and could become an All-Pro defender in the same vein as Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed.
However, not all league general managers think Downs is the best safety in the 2026 class.
Adam Schefter of ESPN talked to a general manager who thinks Arizona defensive back Treydan Stukes is the best safety in the draft and would take him over Downs.
"One of the best safeties I've seen [in my time as a GM]," the general manager said of Stukes. "This guy makes freaky plays that I haven't seen other safeties make."
Schefter noted that Stukes' stock is rising days before the draft.
During the combine in February, Downs said he can be the best player in the 2026 class.
"My confidence level is always at the highest when I'm on the field, and the belief in myself really never goes down no matter the circumstance," Downs said.
"I feel like my mind really puts me above a lot of people in terms of how I process the game and play with instincts, and I feel like that's what makes me special."
While Stukes might be the best safety in the eyes of one general manager, Downs is likely to be the first safety taken off the board on Thursday night. He could go as high as the New York Giants with the No. 5 pick.