For all of the Washington Commanders' struggles in 2025, perhaps no positional group underwhelmed more than the team's safeties. Quan Martin was an expected breakout candidate, and instead badly regressed. Free agency signing Will Harris missed considerable time with an injury and was unremarkable when he played.
That makes safety a top position of need for Washington in the 2026 NFL Draft, and thankfully, there's a blue-chip prospect who could be available with the No. 7 overall pick: Ohio State's Caleb Downs.
Ohio State S Caleb Downs 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 205
- Expected 40 Yard Dash Time: 4.45
- Recruiting: 5-star recruit, No. 1-ranked safety nationally
College production: 257 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 6 interceptions, 12 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles. Two-time All-American, finished ninth in 2025 Heisman Trophy voting.
Positives:
- Versatile athlete who can play strong or free safety, has even lined up at nickel cornerback.
- Excellent tackler, form described as "disciplined" and "controlled" with very few missed tackles.
- Great awareness and anticipation, able to deceive opposing quarterbacks at an elite level.
- Brings strong on- and off-field leadership skills to the table, teammates respond to him and feed off of his energy.
Negatives:
- Can be overaggressive as a hitter, tries too hard to make the big play.
- Often exposed in zone coverage on crossing routes.
- Size doesn't match up well against offensive linemen in pass-rush situations.
Caleb Downs NFL Player Comparison: Eric Berry
Downs has been compared to safety prospects such as Derwin James, Budda Baker, and Kyle Hamilton, but Eric Berry seems to be the most frequently mentioned. His speed, versatility, and football IQ make him a can't-miss prospect who can impact the game in a multitude of different ways.
Berry was drafted No. 5 overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2010. That's about where Downs is projected to go, though it will depend on how the needs of teams at the top of the board shift in response to previous selections.
Caleb Downs NFL Draft Grade: Top 10 Pick
Most mocks have Downs projected to be taken inside the top 10 if not the top five. CBS Sports' panel of four draft analysts currently all have him going between the No. 7 and No. 10 picks, with Josh Edwards predicting him to be taken by Washington.
A lot can change between now and late April, but there's a decent chance Downs will be available when the Commanders make their first selection. If he is there, Adam Peters should snag him without hesitation.