The San Francisco 49ers currently own the No. 27 pick in the NFL Draft. There are several positions they could address, such as offensive line, wide receiver, and edge rusher.
The 49ers have already been “heavily connected” to wide receivers, with Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion being a name to watch, according to ESPN NFL Draft Analyst Matt Miller.
But former 49ers safety Donte Whitner has a different idea. He thinks the 49ers should package Mac Jones and a couple of fourth-round picks to move up in the draft to take Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, Whitner said on the Grit Code Podcast.
GettyCaleb Downs #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes.
What Caleb Downs Could Bring to the San Francisco 49ers Defense?
The 49ers currently have four players listed as safeties on their roster. They return starting strong safety Malik Mustapha and free safety Ji’Ayir Brown.
Mustapha, who was a fourth-round pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, has tallied 143 tackles and 2 interceptions in two seasons with the 49ers.
Brown, who was a third-round pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, has tallied 174 tackles and 6 interceptions in his three-year career with the 49ers.
San Francisco also drafted Marquis Sigle in the 5th round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The rookie safety saw meaningful playing time and recorded 28 tackles in his first year with the 49ers.
But Whitner thinks the 49ers don’t have any “safeties currently on the roster to really elevate their game further than it is now.” Enter Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.
Downs does not lack the accolades or production at the collegiate level. In his freshman season at Alabama, Downs made the second-team AP All-American team and was named the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year. He led the Crimson Tide with 107 tackles and also recorded 2 interceptions.
Downs then transferred to Ohio State for his sophomore and junior seasons, where he continued to accumulate awards. In his two seasons with the Buckeyes, he was named to the AP All-American first team and earned the Big Ten Conference Defensive Back of the Year award.
How High Would the 49ers Have To Move Up To Select Downs?
Four of the latest NFL mock draft sites have Caleb Downs going as high as No. 5 and as low as No. 10.
PFF: New York Giants with the No. 5 pick
ESPN: Washington Commanders with the No. 7 pick
NFL.com: New Orleans Saints with the No. 8 pick
CBS Sports: Cincinnati Bengals with the No. 10 pick
Jamal Adams was the last time a safety was picked in the top 10 when the Jets took him 7th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, which shows the level of talent NFL scouts think of Caleb Downs.
It always takes two to tango. And the 49ers would have to find a trade partner willing to move out of the top 10 if they want to select the Ohio State safety.
GettySan Francisco 49ers QB Mac Jones
Should the 49ers Trade Mac Jones?
The 49ers signed Mac Jones to a two-year/ $8.4 million contract in the 2025 offseason. Jones played admirably last season after starting quarterback Brock Purdy went down with an injury.
The backup quarterback appeared in 11 games last season and went 5-3 in his starts when Purdy was out. He put up 2,151 passing yards and 13 passing touchdowns to 6 interceptions.
The 49ers don’t necessarily have to trade Mac Jones because they would receive a compensatory pick if Jones were to leave after this season. Quarterbacks are a luxury in the NFL, and the 49ers have two viable options.
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