College football season starts this Saturday in earnest with three prime matchups on Week 0. Ireland will host the fierce rivalry colloquially known as “Farmageddon” between Big 12 contenders Kansas State and Iowa State. Tennessee has a special connection to the Emerald Isle through the NFL’s International Marketing Rights program. However, the Irish aren’t the only island to host a college football showdown, with Hawai’i hosting Frank Reich’s Stanford Cardinal. Week one looms large on Labor Day weekend. With that said, what impact player did ESPN’s Field Yates give the Titans in his mock draft?
Tennessee Titans Land Impact DB In ESPN 2026 Mock Draft
Yates gives the Titans an impact safety from Ohio State, by way of Alabama, in the form of former five-star recruit Caleb Downs. He’s been a standout throughout his college career, becoming one of the best in the country. Ohio State possesses a storied history of great DB play; Downs has the potential to be the best of them all. What did Yates say about the Titans and Downs’ connection? First, he mentions that the Saints, in their search for a successor to Derek Carr, earn a trade up into the top three.
“Derek Carr retired, and none of Spencer Rattler, Tyler Shough nor Jake Haener is a sure thing. New Orleans could be watching two QBs come off the board to start Round 1 and want to jump into the party. Trading up from No. 5 to No. 3 with Tennessee — which has its QB in Cam Ward but needs a lot around him — would make sense as New Orleans seeks a long-term option under center.”
Tennessee seemingly has its quarterback of the future, but the Saints’ picture is murkier at this point, with both Rattler and Shough battling for the job. Shough is a second-round rookie giving a heroic effort, but he comes with significant questions. Rattler had an uneven debut season in 2024, filling in for an injured Carr. The 2026 quarterback class is expected to be a more fulfilling one compared to the 2025 crop. Perhaps the Saints will take advantage and secure a true heir to Drew Brees. Yates has New Orleans selecting Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik.
“Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
It’s not often a safety generates top-five consideration, which is a testament to Downs’ skill set. He is a no-weakness prospect who brings a physical and imposing demeanor when playing in the box and defending the run. But Downs also boasts excellent range, ball skills (two INTs and seven pass breakups in 2024) and vision as a middle-of-the-field pass defender. He has the ability to entirely reshape a secondary from the moment he steps on the field. Tennessee is looking for cornerstone players, and its defense ranked 30th in points allowed per game last season (27.1). Downs would instantly alter the outlook.”
The Titans need a safety alongside 2025 rookie Kevin Winston, Jr, as Amani Hooker is due to be a free agent after the season. Downs would be an incredible replacement to grow alongside Winston and form an imposing duo. The Ohio State defensive back has the athleticism and IQ to be a playmaker all over the field, much like Kyle Hamilton, whom DC Dennard Wilson coached.
Main Photo Credit: Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
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