Despite the 9-8 record from 2025 and missing the postseason, the Minnesota Vikings are a piece or two away from being a legitimate Super Bowl contender if they can figure out the quarterback position.
The Vikings had a top-five defense in the NFL in 2025, but even that side of the ball has a concern in the secondary, with the potential need to replace safety Harrison Smith, who might find himself enjoying retirement soon enough.
Bleacher Report writer Brent Sobleski recently shared a solution to that, as Smith could be replaced with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, who was named as an ideal landing spot for Minnesota.
"The Vikings employ the league's most aggressive and complicated defensive scheme, and Downs has the skill set not only to contribute but also thrive.
Coordinator Brian Flores can weaponize the multifunctional defensive back, with the potential for Downs to turn into a NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate over time.
Downs can play both safety spots, function at a high level in Cover 2, drop down into the box and cover the slot. He's considered an elite talent for a reason. Even as a possible top-10 pick, he's not guaranteed the proper usage to become the caliber of difference-maker that he is.
Maybe the Vikings make a play to move up and ensure the organization acquires the ultimate chess piece for its scheme."
Minnesota Vikings could replace Harrison Smith with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs
Downs has been one of the best defensive players in the nation over the last three seasons, helping Ohio State win the national title in 2024 and return to the College Football Playoffs last season.
Downs racked up 68 tackles, five tackles for loss, two pass deflections, two interceptions, and one sack in 14 games as he was named an All-American and finished ninth in the Heisman Trophy voting.
The trouble Minnesota will have in selecting Downs in the draft is that he is expected to be a top-five pick.
That would leave the Vikings with having to be a bit aggressive in moving up, which is what got former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in trouble with a lack of picks over the last two years before he was fired.
Selecting Downs would be a dream for the Vikings, as he can do everything Smith can, but is younger and more versatile.
Downs could line up as a linebacker or drop back into coverage, making him the ultimate weapon for Flores.
Vikings fans might have to lower their expectations, as there is a low chance the team moves up to get Downs.
It would be something, though, if the former Buckeye ends up dropping in the draft close enough for Minnesota to make a trade and land one of the best defenders in the draft class.