There are pre-draft murmurings about the Washington Commanders avoiding the temptation to select standout safety Caleb Downs at No. 7 overall. It's smoke-and-mirrors season, but noteworthy nonetheless.
While nothing has been confirmed, it would be a big call for a team in desperate need of a defensive marshall to spearhead expected improvements under Daronte Jones. Downs can do it all, and the Commanders don't have anything close to his skill set at the back end of their defense currently.
NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports, who reported via sources that Washington had supposedly turned its attention away from Downs, also highlighted why. And for Commanders fans, it raised more than a few alarm bells.
Commanders reportedly banking on Quan Martin to bounce back over taking Caleb Downs
Pauline stated that the recent signing of Nick Cross is contributing to the rumored stance. The insider also revealed that the Commanders' unwavering faith in Quan Martin to bounce back is another, which brought its fair share of bemusement among the fan base.
"People close to the organization tell me a pass rusher, wide receiver, and cornerback are in play at No. 7. Most believe the team will not take Caleb Downs if the Ohio State safety is available to them.
"The team signed Nick Cross in free agency and still believes in Jartavius [Quan] Martin despite a disappointing 2025 season. Those inside the building feel Martin’s upside is incredible and believe he can right the ship."
Martin was a projected breakout candidate last season, but his campaign quickly turned into a disaster. The 2023 second-round pick was positionally flawed, his tackling was abysmal, and his confidence was visibly sapped from him when the lights were brightest. Washington reduced his playing time significantly down the stretch, but all hope may not be lost just yet.
Perhaps Martin will benefit from a change in schematic concepts. Jones is planning to bring a more creative, aggressive system. His work with defensive backs is renowned, so he could provide the spark that ignites the Illinois product back to life. This is also a contract year for the player, which typically heightens the urgency.
If this report proves to be accurate, it's a massive gamble from the Commanders. Martin did nothing to offer any sense of encouragement last season. He'll be striving with everything he has to turn the tide, and everyone starts with a clean slate under the new coaching regime.
Should this scenario come to fruition, Martin cannot waste the chance, but it won't take long to determine whether he meets the required standard.
What comes next is down to the player. And by that time, Downs will be on another team.
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