This is one of the more unpredictable drafts at the top end in recent memory. Only Indiana standout Fernando Mendoza is expected to be the only quarterback taken in the top 10 — maybe even the first round entirely. That makes things extremely uncertain once the Heisman Trophy winner is chosen by the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 1 overall.
Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters admitted he doesn't have a definitive outlook about how things will shake out. Anything could happen, and the front-office leader will roll with the punches. But one respected insider put forth a notion that would be nothing short of nightmare fuel.
ESPN analyst Peter Schrager's first of two mock drafts, generated from conversations around the league before he made his choices, raised a few eyebrows. He has the Commanders taking Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 7, which would be an outstanding addition. However, the concerning part happened a little further down the pecking order.
Caleb Downs landing in Dallas would be a full blown Commanders nightmare
Schrager had Ohio State safety Caleb Downs falling all the way to the Dallas Cowboys at No. 12. This is one of the lowest projections for the defensive back, but the insider thought the tools are there to be a face of the franchise if everything goes according to plan.
"Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia told me on "The Schrager Hour" that [Caleb] Downs will be the smartest player on whichever team drafts him and should be a face of the franchise. The Cowboys need that on defense, even if safety isn't valued the same as pass rusher or cornerback.
"Downs could team up with Jalen Thompson and Malik Hooker on the back end and help curtail the big plays that hurt Dallas last season. If he's on the board, he would be a steal at No. 12."
Downs is arguably the best overall prospect in this class. The Commanders should think long and hard about taking him at No. 7, especially with positional value murkier than ever in this class.
While slipping all the way to Dallas seems unlikely, Schrager doesn't just throw stuff out there. If he touted this as a possibility, there might be some weight to the claim.
If the Commanders pass on Downs and he ends up being a franchise cornerstone in Dallas for the next decade, this is the worst-case scenario in no uncertain terms. It would be a bizarre ending, but Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton fell to the Baltimore Ravens at No. 14. He's gone on to secure two first-team All-Pro selections in his first four seasons.
The Commanders are missing a tone-setting enforcer in the secondary to ensure Daronte Jones' scheme change goes smoothly. Downs is the best of the bunch, so it would be a big decision to go in a different direction.
And if that leads him to Dallas, it's a disaster waiting to happen.