As the NFL Draft approaches, all eyes are on the top-rated prospects from the college football landscape. Names like Caleb Williams, Bryce Young, and Jalen Carter dominate the conversation, as they are projected to go early in the first round. Yet, every year, a few names linger in the background — players who may not have the flash or the buzz but have all the tools to make an impact at the next level. One such player is Oklahoma’s Ethan Downs, a defensive end who has flown under the radar in a draft class brimming with talent.
Downs, a homegrown product from Weatherford, Oklahoma, has always had a natural ability for football. From a young age, he displayed an immense drive to succeed and a relentless motor that set him apart. Throughout his time at Weatherford High School, he earned numerous accolades, showcasing both his ability to disrupt the backfield and his athleticism, which would eventually catch the attention of college scouts. However, as often happens with elite in-state talent, there was more than just local interest. Downs quickly became a highly sought-after prospect, ultimately choosing to stay in Oklahoma and join the Sooners in 2020.
When Downs arrived at Oklahoma, the program was in a transition period. Head coach Lincoln Riley had just moved on, and Brent Venables was stepping into a role that would define the next era of Sooner football. In many ways, Venables’ arrival was a perfect fit for Downs. Venables is known for his defensive expertise, and the system he implemented was built to create havoc on opposing offenses. It was a match made in heaven for Downs, who fit seamlessly into the defensive line.
Downs spent his first season adjusting to the speed of the game, but even then, his potential was evident. He saw limited playing time as a freshman, but he showcased enough to make a case for being a mainstay in the defensive rotation. The following year, Downs started to emerge as a key contributor for the Sooners. In 2021, he posted a solid 33 total tackles, with 5.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. These numbers were respectable for a player still in the process of refining his craft, but it was the flashes of brilliance that intrigued scouts the most.
At 6-foot-4 and 257 pounds, Downs possesses the ideal frame for a modern NFL edge rusher. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism allows him to compete with some of the top offensive linemen in the country. Downs’ versatility also gives him a significant edge. He can line up at defensive end and rush the passer, but he’s also capable of playing in a more traditional 3-4 outside linebacker role, making him an intriguing prospect for various defensive schemes in the NFL. His ability to drop into coverage when necessary is a skill that’s not always appreciated by the average fan, but in the NFL, it can be the difference between a high draft grade and a forgotten prospect.
Despite these strengths, Downs has often been overlooked in the lead-up to the NFL Draft. The big names at the top of the defensive line class, such as Will Anderson Jr. from Alabama and Jalen Carter from Georgia, have commanded the majority of the attention, while players like Downs have been relegated to the background. Part of this is due to Oklahoma’s recent struggles in the defensive department. Under Venables’ system, the Sooners have had their share of ups and downs, and that can sometimes affect the visibility of players like Downs, who has to share the spotlight with the broader struggles of the team.
However, what Downs has demonstrated is that he’s capable of making plays in high-pressure situations. In his final season with Oklahoma in 2023, Downs took a leap forward. He posted career highs in tackles (45), tackles for loss (9), and sacks (7). He also registered multiple quarterback hurries and continued to be a disruptive force at the line of scrimmage. Those who closely followed Oklahoma football saw a player who was gradually refining his technique and becoming a more complete defensive player. Downs’ ability to read the offense, diagnose plays, and quickly adjust to the evolving dynamics of the game made him one of the more consistent players on the Sooner defense.
A major aspect of Downs’ game that has been underappreciated is his high football IQ. Many of his best plays aren’t necessarily about raw athleticism but his anticipation and understanding of the game. Downs has an uncanny ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, and it shows when he’s able to take advantage of an ill-timed throw or pressure a passer into making a rushed decision. His quick first step off the line, combined with his hands and footwork, allows him to get into the backfield with alarming speed. While he might not have the explosive 40-yard dash times of some of the flashier edge rushers in the draft, Downs makes up for it with his technique, work ethic, and relentless pursuit of the ball carrier.
In terms of weaknesses, Downs still has some areas to improve upon before he can make a seamless transition to the NFL. One area that could use some fine-tuning is his ability to finish plays. While he often gets in the backfield and causes disruption, he doesn’t always wrap up the quarterback or running back in a way that prevents big plays from happening. This could be attributed to a need for more refinement in his tackling technique and consistency in finishing through the play. Nonetheless, these are issues that can be corrected with coaching at the next level. A year or two under an NFL defensive line coach could help Downs iron out these kinks and turn him into a more polished player.
What makes Downs an intriguing prospect isn’t just his physical tools but his mentality. He’s the type of player that coaches love because he gives maximum effort every play, regardless of the situation. His leadership qualities also stand out, as he has always been a vocal presence on the field and a motivator for his teammates. Downs is the kind of player who embraces the grind and is willing to do whatever it takes to improve and help his team win.
Unfortunately, the spotlight that has shone so brightly on other edge rushers has cast a shadow on Downs. Players like Will Anderson and Tyree Wilson have received far more media attention, and the bigger schools have dominated the headlines. But that doesn’t mean Downs is destined to go undrafted or fall too far down the board. In fact, many NFL scouts believe that Downs could be one of the steals of the draft if he ends up in the right situation. His combination of size, athleticism, and drive could make him an immediate contributor at the next level, even if it’s as a rotational player at first. With his versatility, he could fit into various schemes, which gives him the flexibility to succeed wherever he lands.
As with many players who find themselves flying under the radar, Downs is in the perfect position to prove his doubters wrong. His path to the NFL may not have been filled with the same hype as others, but that could work to his advantage. The less attention he receives leading up to the draft, the more teams may be able to assess him on his actual merits, rather than the noise surrounding his draft stock. In a class filled with big names and bigger expectations, Downs is the type of player who could slide under the radar and make a lasting impact when given the chance.
If Downs ends up being a second or third-day pick, he will be a player that every NFL team regrets overlooking. Whether it’s with his ability to rush the passer, his leadership on and off the field, or his refined football IQ, Downs has all the traits of an NFL-caliber defensive end. It’s simply a matter of whether the right team takes the chance on him. Given the depth of talent at the edge position, there’s no telling how far Downs could rise in the draft as teams dig deeper into his film and see the potential that some have failed to recognize.
As the NFL Draft approaches, it’s easy to get lost in the excitement surrounding the household names. But for those in the know, Ethan Downs represents one of the hidden gems that will soon prove his worth. He’s ready to show that his time to shine has arrived, and when the lights are brightest, he’ll be prepared to step up and become a force in the NFL.