The days keep on counting down until the Washington Commanders will use the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. By this point, assessment activities are in the books, with only speculation to take us through the final few weeks until the main event.
For Washington, a few options have risen to the top of the board who could potentially be available when general manager Adam Peters makes his selection. Wide receiver Carnell Tate and running back Jeremiyah Love have become popular prospects. A linebacker such as Ohio State standout Sonny Styles could still be useful.
However, we can't lose sight of the player whom fans have been clamoring for from the start. In all of the hoopla, he seems to have become overlooked, but he might be exactly what the Commanders need.
Commanders would do more than just play it safe with Caleb Downs
And in terms of fit, this could be the bust-proof selection Peters needs to boost Washington's bounce-back chances.
Ohio State boasts not one, not two, not three, but four blue-chip prospects in this draft: Tate, Styles, fellow linebacker Arvell Reese, and exceptional safety Caleb Downs. NBC Sports team insider JP Finlay regards the latter as the safest pick in the draft.
And in all honesty, it's very hard to argue.
Downs has been compared to past safety prospects such as Eric Berry, Derwin James, and Kyle Hamilton. He can play either the strong or free position, and the ultra-high consistency for a player of his physical stature has turned heads. As Finlay points out, he never missed a game in three full college seasons, two with Alabama and one with the Buckeyes.
The Commanders signed Nick Cross in free agency to fill one of their starting safety slots, but they could still use another. Quan Martin was a disaster last season, and veteran Will Harris couldn't stay on the field. Downs would be a game-changer who could transform the entire defense, especially considering the projected scheme new coordinator Daronte Jones plans to run in Washington.
If Washington is looking for a player who is all but certain to pan out, Downs has to be the guy. He has been productive at two of the top programs in college football. He is athletic and durable, with intangibles through the roof. A "coach on the field," as Finlay describes him.
As tempting as it will be for the Commanders to draft a skill-position weapon to bolster the offense around quarterback Jayden Daniels, it's hard to justify looking past Downs.
He's too good to fail.