Summary
Mel Kiper Jr. predicts that the New York Jets will choose Ohio State safety Caleb Downs as their second overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, which would be unusual since safeties are rarely selected so high. Most experts expect the Jets to focus on other defensive positions like edge-rusher or linebacker.
Key Facts
- Mel Kiper Jr. is a well-known expert in NFL draft predictions.
- Kiper Jr. believes the Jets will select safety Caleb Downs from Ohio State with their No. 2 pick.
- Choosing a safety in the top two picks is rare; the last time it happened was in 1991.
- Caleb Downs is considered one of the best safeties and top defensive players in college football.
- The New York Jets did not have any interceptions in 2025 and gave up many points.
- While safety is not the Jets' biggest need, a player like Downs could be hard to pass up.
- Other experts think the Jets will go for an edge-rusher or linebacker instead.
