Caleb Downs is one of the most gifted prospects in this class. The Washington Commanders could take him at No. 7 overall, especially considering how positional value might not be as important this year.
General manager Adam Peters always wants to take the best prospects available, regardless of need. There are not many elite stars projected to come from this class. Downs is one of the very few, so his possible availability at No. 7 overall will no doubt provoke a discussion in Washington's draft room.
A respected draft analyst only enhanced the safety's reputation with a short and powerful reference. Dane Brugler of The Athletic, citing conversations with people around the league who've spoken to Downs throughout the pre-draft process, highlighted in no uncertain terms just how well he has come across.
Caleb Downs is as good off the field as he is on it, and that matters to the Commanders
And for a team like the Commanders, that will carry a ton of weight.
"Talking to teams about how he's interviewed... some guys I've never seen smile are grinning."
The on-field abilities of Downs speak for themselves. He's an exceptionally well-rounded, versatile prospect boasting the traits in keeping with highly productive modern-day safeties in the pros. This also aligns with the Commanders' need, despite their reported belief in Quan Martin and the free-agent signing of Nick Cross.
During the first two drafts under general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn, the importance of character became obvious. They are after good players, of course, but what makes them tick is just as important.
How they fit into the culture, how much they love the game, and how much they are willing to go above and beyond to improve are desirable characteristics. According to reports, Downs has all that in abundance.
The Ohio State standout is arguably the best overall prospect in this class. One could also make a strong case for Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, but it's between the two. Downs is not your average safety, displaying a willingness to play in the box, support in coverage, or even operate in the nickel if the situation dictates. His supreme football intelligence could also lead to 'green dot' responsibilities. That's how special he could be.
Downs couldn't have done much more to hear his name called early in the draft. He's as clean a prospect as you'll find, and the defensive back is striving to be great. He comes into the league with decade-long starter potential and Pro Bowl-caliber upside. That might be hard to pass up for the Commanders as they look to enhance their defensive fortunes under new coordinator Daronte Jones.
And if Peters does take Downs, fans should be thrilled.
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