The Buffalo Bills may be pushing for a Super Bowl victory this season, but it's clear that this roster is not complete. There are glaring weaknesses, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Bills have lacked depth and high-end talent on defense for years and have struggled to capitalize on draft picks to end that pattern. Early picks like Kaiir Elam and A.J. Epenesa have failed to become the difference-makers fans hoped they would be.
But one prospect could be the change they need. Ohio State safety Caleb Downs has established himself as one of the top players in college football.
If the Bills are lucky enough to draft him, he could become the centerpiece of their defense for years to come.
Caleb Downs could be Bills' perfect 2026 NFL Draft prospect
The safety position might be the most obvious weakness on Buffalo's roster. Taylor Rapp and Cole Bishop have struggled this season, especially in run defense. Their poor pursuit angles have often led to explosive runs for the Bills' opponents. The Bills have allowed the second-most runs of at least 20 yards in the NFL this season.
Something has to change at safety, especially with Rapp nearing the end of his career. Downs could be the perfect solution.
The young defender entered the season as one of the top draft prospects in the 2026 class. While he's slid down rankings a bit over the last couple of months, he's still considered to be an elite player. On top of being an exceptional athlete, Downs displays an incredible knowledge of the game. He seems to always anticipate where the ball is going, breaking quickly and consistently making big plays. A strong tackler, he thrives against both the run and the pass.
Downs has seen a dip in his statistical production this year, with his only interception coming against Grambling State. Still, he's been a centerpiece of the Buckeyes' defense early in the season.
It's a bit optimistic to think that Downs would fall all the way to the Bills in the draft. They're likely to be picking late in the first round once again, assuming their season continues on its current trajectory. Their best hope is that the rest of the league doesn't value the safety position as much as they do. If Downs falls far enough for the Bills to draft him, he could be the answer fans have been waiting for on defense.