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Combine Medical Flags Raise Knee Questions for Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs

Teams plan further evaluations that could alter how early he is drafted.

Overview

  • An NFC scout told Corey Kinnan of Daft on Draft that Caleb Downs was flagged at the Combine for a partially torn meniscus and a potentially degenerative ACL, per Yahoo Sports.
  • Kinnan reported Downs is likely to seek a second opinion, noting some players with similar knee flags have still had successful NFL careers.
  • The medical findings could shift draft boards, increasing the chance he is available at picks like No. 10 and causing some teams to hesitate given safety’s lower positional value.
  • NFL analyst Mike Mayock said he does not view Downs as a top-10 pick but still considers him a first-round safety.
  • Downs carries a decorated Ohio State résumé with high-end production and national honors, and reported suitors include the Giants, Bengals, and Commanders.