New top Jets NFL Draft target with connection to coaching staff emerges

Even though it was just one game, many New York Jets fans have toned down on their desire for a new quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft after Justin Fields strung together what may have been the finest individual game of his career during a narrow 34-32 loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

While Fields may have solidified the quarterback room with 266 total yards and three touchdowns (two rushing), the safety room is already on red alert status. Robert Saleh holdover Tony Adams may have been the worst individual player on the field for the Jets, and free agent signing Andre Cisco didn't do himself any favors.

As a result of this game, Jets fans may need to become very familiar with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, a projected top 10 pick who has a connection to a member of the Jets' defensive coaching staff.

Dre' Bly, a terrific NFL cornerback in his day and one of the Jets' current assistant defensive backs coaches, is Downs' uncle. That connection could set the wheels in motion for Downs to end up in the same secondary as Sauce Gardner while being coached by family.

Jets connection could help them pick Caleb Downs in NFL Draft

Downs, the brother of Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs, transferred to Ohio State after being named SEC Freshman of the Year and a Second Team All-American at Alabama. The 6-foot, 205-pound Downs was a unanimous All-American on a 2024 Buckeyes team that won a national championship.

With tremendous instincts, great speed for someone his size, and amazing open-field tackling, Downs profiles as one of the safer prospects in this class. It remains to be seen how good he is, but there is almost no chance that he turns out to be a below-average player if healthy.

While some Jets fans might not like the idea of taking a safety with what may end up being a top 10 pick due to how they were burned by the Jamal Adams selection, it's easy to forget that Adams was an All-Pro player twice in three seasons. If they get that sort of impact from Downs, the sky could be the limit.

While there is a lot of football left to be played, and a few more great games from Fields could help the Jets win so many games that they play themselves out of Downs' range, but he should still be viewed as one of the top targets for Mougey in his second full draft at the sticks.

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