The Washington Commanders have a big decision to make at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Much will depend on what happens in front of them, but several potential candidates could make an immediate impression.
One of those is Ohio State standout Caleb Downs.
He's one of the hottest names being tipped to the Commanders. Positional importance is the biggest talking point, but Downs projects as much more than your average safety. This could also be the move that saves one failing draft pick's career.
Downs has franchise cornerstone potential. He's a glue guy, first one in and last one out. His football intelligence is off the charts, matched by elite-level playmaking across all phases, and many believe he will make a seamless transition to the professional ranks.
Caleb Downs could help Commanders galvanize Quan Martin's career with position switch
This could be a game-changer for the Commanders in more ways than one. Adding Downs to go alongside free-agent signing Nick Cross could provide defensive coordinator Daronte Jones the flexibility to move Quan Martin into the nickel cornerback role. And after how things unfolded for the player last season, he should welcome the position switch in a bid to galvanize his career.
Martin spent his rookie campaign in the nickel spot. One could argue this was the best production he's put together in Washington so far. The Commanders switched him to safety after he starred at Illinois in college, but things haven't gone nearly as well since.
There could be an opening for extended involvement in the nickel, as well.
Mike Sainristil, Trey Amos, and Amik Robertson are currently projected as the starting cornerback trio. Peters will probably add another option during the draft, but Martin would solve one problem if he embraces the challenge. With Jones relying more on versatility and explosiveness within his creative scheme, this represents an intriguing possibility.
It's a make-or-break year for Martin. He's in the final season of his rookie deal with everything to prove. The Commanders will give him a chance to bounce back, but the margin for error has evaporated. Anything less than massive improvements, and the 2023 second-round pick could find himself on the outside looking in.
Martin's projected breakout campaign fell miserably flat in 2025. The Commanders lost confidence in his capabilities, reducing his involvement significantly down the stretch. However, if he was moved into the slot — a position where he is arguably the most comfortable — all hope may not be lost just yet.
Either way, the stakes couldn't be much higher for Martin. But if anyone could bring him back to life, it's Jones.