Future NFL star Caleb Downs is already inspired by Bears coach Ben Johnson's winning mentality, fueling his draft aspirations.
The Chicago Bears still have a couple of months before they have to make their selection with the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Bears saw a quick turnaround under head coach Ben Johnson. They finished the regular season 11-6 and reached the Divisional Round of the playoffs, losing to the Los Angeles Rams 20-17 in overtime.
Chicago also won its first NFC North title since 2018 and first playoff game since 2010 with the comeback win over the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card.
Johnson's mantra throughout the season stood out. After every game, he would always say good, better, best in the locker room. The team latched onto that mentality, and it definitely benefited them in the long run.
It hasn't only inspired the Bears, but also some college athletes. Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, who is the No. 7 overall prospect and No. 1 safety in the CBS Sports 2026 NFL Draft Rankings, is already a fan of Johnson.
Downs was on a recent episode of the "Down 2 Business" podcast with Bears receiver Rome Odunze. Downs shared that watching Johnson's postgame speeches gets him fired up.
The safety also discussed how he loved Johnson's mentality when it came to the Packers' rivalry.
"He be turning me up when I'm turnt up, you know what I'm saying?"Downs said. "Then, he was talking about one of y'all's rivalries. Like, 'I don't like them.' Oh yeah. I'm like, yeah."
Downs started his college career at Alabama before transferring to Ohio State following the retirement of Nick Saban. Downs is a two-time All-American and finished ninth in Heisman voting this past season at Ohio State.
He recorded 68 total tackles, five TFLs, one sack and two interceptions in his final season of college football.
He would make a great replacement for either Kevin Byard or Jaquan Brisker, depending on which player the Bears decide to re-sign. However, there is a roadblock in Chicago's way.
With how high Downs is ranked, the odds of him falling to the 25th overall pick are low. One recent 2026 NFL Mock Draft from CBS Sports' Garrett Podell had the Cincinnati Bengals selecting Downs with the 10th overall pick.
While it could be a stretch to think the Bears will have a chance at Downs, it's great that he is already a believer in what Johnson is doing at the Bears.