Local Star Heads to the NFL Draft

Braselton has a big reason to tune in this week.

Former Caleb Downs, a Hoschton native and Mill Creek High School standout, is officially headed for the NFL Draft, kicking off Thursday, April 23.

And he’s not just showing up… he’s expected to make a serious splash.

Downs is projected as a first-round pick, with many analysts placing him in the top 10 and possibly even the top 5.

At 6-foot, 206 pounds, Downs made a name for himself early, dominating the field at Mill Creek from 2019 to 2022. His senior year? Nothing short of legendary. He earned All-American honors and helped lead the Hawks to a state championship - a moment many locals still talk about.

From there, his rise only accelerated.

He spent his freshman season at University of Alabama before transferring to Ohio State University, where he became one of the most decorated defensive players in the country. As part of Ohio State’s 2024 national championship team, Downs proved he thrives on the biggest stage.

By 2025, he added two of college football’s top honors; the Jim Thorpe Award and the Lott Trophy, along with multiple All-American selections.

As the NFL Draft approaches, Caleb Downs is generating serious buzz at the top of the board. In one of the latest mock drafts, he’s projected to land with the New York Giants, a move that would place the former Mill Creek standout in one of the league’s biggest markets.

If that prediction holds, Downs could be among the first names called on draft night, adding another exciting chapter to his already impressive journey.

From Friday night lights at Mill Creek to the national spotlight, Caleb Downs is a name Braselton will be hearing for years to come and this week could be just the beginning.