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Caleb Downs puts Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith in rare company
Former Ohio State safety Caleb Downs has heaped praise on Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, comparing him favorably to NFL stars CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Downs, now with the Dallas Cowboys, says Smith's combination of athleticism and skill has him 'right there' with the league's best, as Smith prepares for what he says will be his final college season.
Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs has delivered a resounding endorsement of his former Ohio State teammate, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, placing him on the same level as two of the NFL's best at the position. On The Pivot Podcast with Fred Taylor, Downs was asked how Smith compares to his current teammates, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.
Downs didn't hesitate. "He's right there. He's there. That's what I wanted to say," he said, as reported by multiple outlets.
The former unanimous All-American safety, who spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons facing Smith in practice, elaborated on what makes the young receiver special. Downs praised Lamb's route-running and all-around game while lauding Pickens' "crazy" ball skills. When it comes to Smith, he said the Buckeye combines the best of both. "When you say 'freakishly athletic' and then match that with a really good ball player, too? It's different," Downs said.
How each outlet told it
Essentially Sports
Framing: Emphasizes Caleb Downs' bold statement about Jeremiah Smith after facing Cowboys WRs, framing it as a bold claim from an ex-Buckeye. — Exuberant and promotional, e.g., 'the pressure and excitement surrounding the young wideout are officially at an all-time high.'
Facts Included:
Caleb Downs said on The Pivot Podcast with Fred Taylor that Jeremiah Smith is 'right there' with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.
Downs said Smith has 'freakishly athletic' ability and good ball skills.
Downs compared Lamb as a route-runner and complete player, and Pickens as having 'crazy' ball skills.
Smith's college stats through 2024-2025: 163 catches, 2,558 yards, 27 touchdowns.
Lamb's college stats (2017-2019): 173 catches, 3,292 yards, 32 touchdowns.
Pickens' college stats (2019-2021): 90 catches, 1,347 yards, 14 touchdowns, with injuries limiting production.
Smith's 2024 freshman season: 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Smith needs nine more touchdowns to break Ohio State's all-time receiving touchdown record.
Smith is a unanimous All-American and expected top pick in the 2027 draft.
Downs spent 2024 and 2025 seasons at Ohio State and is now at Cowboys training camp.
Pickens had 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns last year; Lamb had a 1,749-yard NFL season.
Framing: Headline emphasizes the endorsement from Downs and Smith's readiness for the NFL, but omits the comparison to Lamb and Pickens' specific stats or Smith's draft timeline. — Confident and forward-looking, emphasizing Smith's NFL future with quotes like 'He's not gonna like this' and 'it's time for me to go.'
Facts Included:
Caleb Downs, a unanimous All-American safety, played for the Cowboys and was on The Pivot Podcast released on Friday.
Downs laughed when asked 'how far off' Smith is from NFL elite receivers.
Downs said: 'He's not gonna like this probably, but he's there. He's different, though. GP's ball skills, everything is crazy. CeeDee, as a route-runner and as an all-around football player. But Jeremiah has, when you say freakishly athletic and then match that with a really good ball player, too? It's different.'
Pickens had 1,429 receiving yards last season, third-most in the league behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba (1,793) and Puka Nacua (N/A).
Lamb has posted five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
Smith's stats: 2,558 yards and 27 touchdowns in first two seasons.
Downs was selected No. 11 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Smith said at Big Ten Media Days last month he plans to leave after the 2026 season, saying 'I think it's time for me to go.'
Smith is ranked No. 3 overall prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft, behind two quarterbacks, per one board.
Ohio State opens its 2026 season against Ball State on Sept. 5.
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Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimCaleb Downs said Jeremiah Smith has 'freakishly athletic' ability and good ball skills.