The Alabama football program will be well represented during the 2026 NFL Draft. Most analysts expect tackle Kadyn Proctor and quarterback Ty Simpson to be picked in the first round. But it is one former member of the Crimson Tide who is drawing rave reviews ahead of the draft.
Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban heaped praise on Ohio State safety Caleb Downs one day before the draft.
“Caleb Downs made more plays in college than anybody in the draft,” Saban declared on Wednesday via The Pat McAfee Show. “If he makes that many plays in the NFL… I mean what is the capability gap? How much better can he get?”
Saban coached Downs during the 2023 season at Alabama. It was arguably Downs’ best season of his college career despite being his first year. He logged 107 total tackles, three passes defensed, two interceptions, and one forced fumble in 2023.
“The guy is so instinctive, he’s got really good ability,” Saban added. “He’s a phenomenal person and he is a football junkie.”
Saban is not the only person who sees great things in store for Downs in the NFL.
In fact, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Wednesday that some around the league view Downs as the best player in the draft.
“Multiple teams have told me that Downs, as a pure football player, might be the draft’s best overall,” Fowler wrote. “What some have struggled with — particularly coaches — is whether he’ll be exceptional enough to justify a high pick for a position that’s not prioritized by many.”
There’s no question that Downs will be picked in the first round. The only question is how long does he have to wait in the green room.
It will be fascinating to see which team pulls the trigger on Downs on Thursday night.
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